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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$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.