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.
$95K - $115K *
Transform mission capabilities as a Hardware Engineer, collaborating in a multi-discipline team to innovate and implement cutting-edge radar technology for Space Domain and Missile Warning systems...
2 days ago
Senior Principal Digital Engineer
$145K - $187K *
Pioneer innovative Digital Engineering solutions by leading the integration of Model-Based Systems Engineering and AI/ML methodologies, driving modernization efforts across complex Naval Nuclear Labor...
1 week ago
Systems Design Quality Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Optimize quality assurance processes by executing strategic validation approaches and managing design control. Drive product reliability and compliance while ensuring continuous improvement throughout...
4 weeks ago
Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R4614)
$200K - $300K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to shape and deploy advanced autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft, ensuring high-quality integration and performance across diverse platforms, while collaborating o...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative product development by prototyping and shipping solutions that enhance user experience. Collaborate closely with customers to understand their needs and drive impactful outcomes th...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Customer Focused Team
$94K - $141K *
Drive your career with a dynamic team focused on innovative mechanical design. Collaborate closely with customers to develop cutting-edge Coolant Distribution Units, ensuring high performance and reli...
Today
$96K - $106K *
Transform chemical processes for nuclear fuel cycle operations, driving innovation and efficiency in a multidisciplinary environment. Collaborate with teams to develop and optimize engineering solutio...
Yesterday
Engineer 3, Electronic Systems
$130K *
Contribute to the design and development of advanced electronic control systems for rail transit applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integration and compliance with...
6 days ago
Thermal Systems Engineer, Product Development
$110K - $180K *
Champion innovative thermal systems by leading cost-reduction initiatives while ensuring performance and reliability. Collaborate across teams to define requirements and validate designs, driving impa...
2 days ago
Senior Structural Design Engineer (20+ Years Experience)
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative bridge and structural solutions while mentoring emerging engineers. Oversee complex projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance, while fostering col...
Yesterday
Avionics Hardware Development Engineer
$105K - $172K *
Empower innovation by designing and testing avionics hardware for space applications. Take ownership of the entire product lifecycle, ensuring reliability and performance through rigorous testing and...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Pioneer innovative mechanical designs and integration for payload hardware, ensuring mission success from concept through launch. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, flight-re...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$132K - $251K *
Join a dynamic software development team to innovate cybersecurity solutions for connected systems. Lead research, collaborate with engineers, and tackle complex challenges to enhance security for cri...
1 week ago
$88K - $110K *
Join a forward-thinking team to design cutting-edge high-speed digital systems. Drive electrical design and collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and optimize products that enhance globa...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Structures Engineer, Aerospace & Defense (All Levels)
$100K - $247K *
Advance industrial manufacturing in aerospace. Collaborate with teams to design, analyze, and optimize innovative vehicle structures using cutting-edge technology and materials throughout the product...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Autonomy Software Integration (R6246)
$120K - $190K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous systems by integrating cutting-edge AI and robotics technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance developer experiences and ensur...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer complex Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, leading projects from conception to completion. Collaborate across teams, manage risks, and ensure compliance with NASA standards while...
1 week ago
$140K - $160K *
Drive impactful electrical design initiatives across diverse projects, mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create integrated solutions for healthcare, academic...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $190K *
Advance your career by leading electrical design for major projects, including healthcare and data centers, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery and in...
4 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's redefining in-flight entertainment by developing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and drive continuous improvement...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation as you solve complex RF/Microwave challenges, collaborating across teams to enhance product development and integrate key technologies in a high-stakes defense environment...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $98K *
Explore innovative solutions to enhance solar cell performance and reduce costs. Lead projects, conduct experiments, and apply engineering methods to optimize processes in a collaborative environment...
1 week ago
Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations
$110K - $130K *
Elevate material innovation as a Senior R&D Specialist, collaborating with design leaders to translate historical aesthetics into luxury collections while ensuring quality and performance standards ar...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading the design and development of innovative mechanical systems for cutting-edge uranium enrichment technology, ensuring high performance and safety standards throughout the...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to drive innovation in Liquid Chromatography systems, focusing on mechanical design, analysis, and testing. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure product excellence from concept...
Reposted today
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.