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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Director R&D Project Management
$164K - $282K *
Pioneer innovative R&D strategies in Orthopaedics, driving operational excellence and project execution for Hip and Knee portfolios. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product developm...
6 days ago
Director R&D Project Management
$164K - $282K *
Lead the charge in driving R&D excellence for Hip and Knee initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and operational effectiveness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance innovation and de...
6 days ago
Early Career R&D Embedded Firmware & Hardware Engineer, Onsite
$102K - $199K *
Unlock potential by designing and deploying innovative embedded computing solutions. Collaborate with experts to enhance national security through firmware development, testing, and debugging across d...
5 days ago
Research Engineer, Safety Evaluation
$135K - $160K *
Empower Meta's AI safety by developing rigorous evaluations for emerging risks, collaborating across teams to design and implement continuous safety metrics essential for reliable AI deployment...
4 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Safety Evaluation
$145K - $175K *
Lead the charge in defining robust safety evaluation metrics for AI systems, ensuring reliable, continuous measurement of safety across multiple model families and modalities. Collaborate effectively...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Systems - AHT
$108K - $163K *
Lead the charge in developing and managing systems requirements using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver technical solutions and suppo...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager for Tool Software Automated Testing
$166K - $350K *
Lead the charge in overseeing software development, quality assurance, and team management while driving enhancements and new product initiatives for complex cloud-based solutions in a fast-paced envi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Project Engineer - Aerospace
$112K - $155K *
Lead innovative product development in aerospace, focusing on hydraulic actuation systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and implement solutions that meet industry standa...
1 week ago
Lead Project Engineer - Aerospace
$112K - $155K *
Accelerate your career by leading innovative aerospace projects, collaborating with global teams to design and optimize hydraulic actuation devices, and driving product development from concept to imp...
1 week ago
Quality Engineer (Electronics)
$100K - $162K *
Lead the charge in ensuring electronics build quality across production, addressing issues, driving root cause investigations, and implementing data-driven solutions to enhance manufacturing processes...
2 weeks ago
$109K - $156K *
Lead the charge in enhancing perovskite solar cell performance. Utilize advanced device analysis, develop innovative methodologies, and optimize processes for stability and reliability in a collaborat...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Process Engineer 2 - Oil & Gas
$69K - $99K *
Develop process designs and calculations for diverse projects, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team. Engage in safety reviews and support construction efforts while maintaining effective commu...
2 weeks ago
Research and Development Applications Scientist
$127K - $199K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and validate innovative consumable products for Liquid Chromatography and LC/MS applications, leveraging scientific expertise to solve technical chal...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential by leading mechanical design for advanced airframe structures. Collaborate on innovative projects from concept to production, ensuring robust performance in tactical environments...
1 week ago
$88K - $132K *
Advance manufacturing excellence by providing technical expertise in oral solid dosage and liquid operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot, optimize processes, and ensure co...
4 days ago
Manufacturing Design Engineer - iPhone
$110K - $130K *
Champion the CAD file lifecycle for additive manufacturing, collaborating with engineering teams to create and modify CAD models, ensuring printability and design integrity while managing file sharing...
6 days ago
Requirements and Design Engineer
$75K - $156K *
Join a team that's redefining systems engineering through innovative methodologies and digital frameworks. You'll define and verify critical requirements while shaping system design and contributing t...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in managing engineering projects, leveraging cutting-edge technology while fostering junior talent, enhancing business growth and ensuring compliance with design standards for transpor...
3 weeks ago
Product Engineering Associate Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead a dynamic team in the research, design, and development of innovative hardware solutions. Oversee project documentation, ensure compliance with standards, and manage engineering processes to deli...
1 week ago
$125K - $160K *
Join a team that's driving mechanical engineering excellence across capital projects. Oversee technical assurance and collaborate with contractors to optimize designs, ensuring project success from ea...
2 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that designs and develops innovative mechanical equipment from concept to field deployment. This hands-on role blends engineering with practical operations, focusing on real-world applicat...
4 weeks ago
Applications Engineer, Senior Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Transform customer verification processes by leading VCS simulation deployments, diagnosing complex issues, and enhancing workflows. Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to ensure successful too...
1 week ago
$112K - $146K *
Elevate your career by leading qualification testing for hardware and software systems. Collaborate with teams, draft procedures, and manage testing programs to ensure product readiness and compliance...
2 weeks ago
$141K - $151K *
Join us to enhance enterprise-level processes through innovative solutions, coordinating across project teams while utilizing your expertise in process improvement methodologies and effective training...
3 weeks ago
Manufacturing Engineer - New Product emphasis
$97K - $118K *
The New Product Development Engineer at Millerbernd Manufacturing is responsible for managing multiple projects aimed at driving profitable growth within the Circular Products team. This role involves...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does an R&D engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.