Explore R&D Engineer Jobs

R&D engineers turn ideas and scientific insights into practical products, technologies, and processes. They plan and conduct experiments, build prototypes, analyze results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to move concepts from early research toward real-world use. Browse vetted R&D Engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles paying $100,000 or more.

What R&D Engineers Do

Responsibilities vary by industry and employer, but often include designing experiments, evaluating materials or systems, developing prototypes, documenting findings, and improving product performance. R&D engineers may also assess safety, quality, cost, reliability, and manufacturability while coordinating with product, manufacturing, software, and regulatory teams.

Industries and Specializations

R&D engineering opportunities span technology, aerospace, automotive, energy, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, advanced materials, and manufacturing. Specializations may include mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical, software, and materials engineering. The work can range from fundamental research to applied development and product optimization.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek a relevant engineering degree and experience with technical research, experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving. Depending on the position, valuable skills may include CAD or simulation tools, programming, laboratory methods, design controls, technical writing, and knowledge of industry standards. Strong communication and collaboration skills help engineers explain findings and align research with business and customer needs.

Find R&D Engineer Jobs on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review each listing for its responsibilities, required qualifications, location, and compensation details to find R&D engineering roles that fit your experience and career goals.

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$86K - $165K *

Engineer innovative solutions by collaborating with suppliers and engineering teams to enhance RF microelectronics production, driving cost reduction and process improvements while ensuring compliance...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion process engineering excellence by leading improvements, safety projects, and troubleshooting efforts, while managing capital projects and ensuring compliance with regulations to enhance facil...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in optimizing manufacturing processes by leveraging your electrical engineering expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance equipment reliability, improve efficiencie...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by crafting delightful interfaces for voice-first interactions across multiple platforms while collaborating closely with engineers and founders to redefine user experiences and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$119K - $126K *

Pioneer compliance and certification processes for airborne systems, ensuring adherence to airworthiness standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive certification docum...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by designing and improving systems, enhancing productivity, and resolving technical challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient production...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$158K - $295K *

Unlock innovative solutions by leading technical teams to develop user-focused products. Drive AI strategy, foster continuous learning, and ensure technical governance while solving complex challenges...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$158K - $295K *

Elevate your career by leading the development of innovative AI-driven tax and accounting solutions. Drive technical direction, mentor engineers, and shape the future of scalable, resilient software e...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$87K - $107K *

Transform manufacturing processes by leading engineering initiatives, optimizing performance, and driving continuous improvement in a collaborative environment focused on safety and quality...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by developing embedded software for robotic lifting systems. Collaborate closely with engineers to innovate, integrate, and enhance software for reliable performance in a fast-pace...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$74K - $130K *

Join a team that's developing mission-critical software in a fast-paced Agile environment. Collaborate to create, test, and enhance enterprise applications, utilizing Java and modern technologies to d...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Contribute to the development of innovative software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to manage, design, and deploy scalable distributed services in dynamic production environments...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$81K - $150K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI algorithms for autonomous systems, driving research and development from concept to prototype. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance machine learning and computer...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Elevate your skills by designing innovative products from concept to production. Collaborate with a dynamic team, manage complex projects, and ensure exceptional design performance and reliability to...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $95K *

Champion your career by leading composite manufacturing process development and optimization. Drive quality, cost, and efficiency improvements while ensuring seamless transitions from prototype to pro...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your career by designing custom automation solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop advanced electromechanical systems, ensuring quality and safety. Drive innovation in fa...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the design and coordination of electrical systems for manufacturing projects, ensuring seamless integration of power distribution, lighting, and equipment interfaces from concept through installa...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$62K - $140K *

Innovate with us to integrate and test cutting-edge systems, ensuring robust performance and reliability. Collaborate across disciplines to drive system concepts and enhance testability, while managin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Contribute to advancing aerospace technology by developing systems engineering solutions, ensuring requirements are met, and leading collaborative efforts across functional teams to deliver innovative...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Elevate your career by leading advanced IC packaging strategies in a dynamic startup. Drive innovative architectures, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and influence product roadmaps while shap...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing manufacturing processes, driving equipment improvements, and enhancing operational standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to eliminate losses and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$70K - $95K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team as you lead process improvements and technical solutions, focusing on equipment standardization and problem-solving to enhance operational efficiency and eliminate...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$89K - $123K *

Join a dynamic team to support the development and testing of advanced sensor prototypes, focusing on hardware integration and laboratory operations. Engage in hands-on tasks, troubleshooting, and imp...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $165K *

Transform transit infrastructure by delivering innovative structural designs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers while leading complex projects for major clients in t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$92K - $110K *

Lead impactful engineering projects that support critical defense missions. Collaborate across disciplines to transform complex requirements into executable plans, ensuring reliable systems are delive...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an R&D engineer do?question toggle

    An R&D engineer researches, designs, tests, and improves products, technologies, or processes. The role may involve experiments, prototyping, data analysis, technical documentation, and collaboration with product and manufacturing teams.

  • What qualifications are typically required for R&D engineer jobs?question toggle

    Many roles require a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or a related field. Employers may also look for relevant research or product-development experience, technical problem-solving ability, and familiarity with tools or standards specific to the industry.

  • Which industries hire R&D engineers?question toggle

    R&D engineers work in industries such as technology, aerospace, automotive, energy, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, materials, and manufacturing.

  • How can I find R&D engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse R&D Engineer listings on Ladders, where professional jobs are vetted and pay $100,000 or more. Check each listing for compensation, location, responsibilities, and qualifications.

  • What skills are useful for an R&D engineer?question toggle

    Useful skills include experimental design, data analysis, prototyping, technical writing, and engineering problem-solving. Depending on the role, employers may also value CAD, simulation, programming, laboratory methods, or regulatory knowledge.