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.
$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
Advanced Materials and Technology Engineer - PCB
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of high-speed signal transmission by leading R&D in copper-based backplane technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate PCB design and optimize performance for...
Today
$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 3 weeks ago
$90K - $120K *
Lead the charge in enhancing product quality and compliance by implementing effective Quality Management Systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives, e...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $120K *
Shape the future of quality assurance in manufacturing by enhancing production processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, implement, and continuously improve quality systems, drivi...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $120K *
Engineer robust quality systems by guiding compliance and continuous improvement processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliability and manufacturing efficiency, driving...
3 weeks ago
Project Engineer (Rail Project Engineer)
$100K - $140K *
Lead the charge in designing and executing rail projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and strengthen client relationships while managing project delivery...
2 weeks ago
Project Engineer (Rail Project Engineer)
$100K - $140K *
Lead and manage rail projects from design to completion, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with teams and clients, while mentoring junior staff and enhancing project delivery across multipl...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Electrical Design Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of automotive technology by designing and developing innovative electronic modules. Collaborate with customers and teams to ensure high-quality production and compliance with automoti...
2 weeks ago
$132K - $174K *
Advance your career by designing innovative automotive brake systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create competitive proposals and ensure compliance with customer requirements while opt...
Today
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Integration Lead (R6159)
$230K - $350K *
Integrate and optimize autonomy components for mission success, ensuring seamless operation across systems. Collaborate with teams to develop robust testing frameworks and support deployment in dynami...
2 weeks ago
Engineer I, Software - Factory Team (R6235)
$79K - $110K *
Contribute to the development of automated testing and analysis tools for AI simulations, collaborating with engineers to enhance software reliability and performance. This hands-on role is ideal for...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Tackle complex engineering challenges by developing cutting-edge algorithms and data processing systems for multimodal robot data, enhancing machine learning models and contributing to our mission of...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of aerospace innovation, designing and testing cutting-edge electronic systems for ground support equipment. Collaborate with experts to ensure the success of NASA...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Empower manufacturing excellence by bridging operations and technology. As an IT System Engineer, you'll analyze processes, implement solutions, and enhance efficiency in a dynamic production environm...
1 week ago
$147K - $196K *
Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining and optimizing lab environments for aerospace and defense operations. This hands-on role ensures the readiness and efficiency of critical manufacturing spac...
Today
Materials Development & Test Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Champion the development of advanced SiC composite materials for space nuclear propulsion through hands-on testing, manufacturing and research, while contributing expertise to innovative designs and s...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to support automotive lighting and electronic product development, focusing on circuit design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced R&D environment...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform manufacturing processes by providing expert chemical engineering support for electroplating, PTFE coating, and wastewater treatment, driving safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement ac...
6 days 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.