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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$110K - $165K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aviation by leading the industrialization of complex mechanical and electromechanical products. Drive manufacturing excellence from development to production...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of medical devices by leading embedded software projects. Leverage your expertise in firmware development and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver i...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$91K - $138K *

Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for precision optical and electromechanical systems in space applications, ensuring quality and efficiency while collaborating across e...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in aerospace by developing cutting-edge composite products for space applications. Collaborate with experts to manage projects from design to testing, ensuring te...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead a multi-disciplinary team to design advanced laser systems for military applications. Manage complex projects, provide technical direction, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver innovative...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

Transform business operations by developing innovative software solutions that enhance efficiency across Finance, HR, Accounting, Payroll, and Legal functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to identif...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $160K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions that enhance business operations across various functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify needs, optimize processes, and impleme...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$103K - $133K *

Empower R&D initiatives by managing direct reports, leading product development, and fostering collaboration across teams to align with business objectives in the food industry...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$103K - $133K *

Join a team that's redefining food innovation! Lead R&D efforts in new product development, manage a dynamic team, and ensure alignment with business strategies while driving creative solutions in the...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$90K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading supplier evaluations and quality assurance initiatives. Collaborate across departments to ensure optimal supplier selection and compliance, driving product development and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Design and analyze complex structures for heavy civil projects, ensuring timely delivery of contract documents while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet client objectives and enhance re...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in designing and analyzing vertical structures for diverse civil projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential by designing and analyzing vertical structures for diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions while ensuring client...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Design and analyze vertical structures for diverse civil projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality contract documents on time and within budget, ensuring client satisf...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by designing and analyzing vertical structures for diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions while ensuring client sa...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of submarine engineering by resolving technical challenges and supporting fleet modernization. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational readiness and ensure mission succe...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing healthcare through innovative software solutions, tackling complex engineering challenges, and making a real impact on patient care in a fast-paced, collaborative en...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of automotive safety by leading product development for restraint systems. Oversee project timelines, manage supplier deliverables, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of vehicle closures by leading innovative design and development of handles, locks, and mechanisms for automotive applications, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standa...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $175K *

Shape the future of electrical testing by leading technical initiatives, mentoring specialists, and enhancing test processes to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate across teams to...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $175K *

Lead the charge in advancing electrical test processes, establishing best practices, and mentoring a team of Test Specialists. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust testing and qual...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative mechanical products, utilizing CAD tools for modeling and engineering collaboration. Ensure prototype validation and manage documentation while sup...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Explore your potential as a Marine Engineer, enhancing vessel modernization for military projects. Collaborate with various teams to deliver technical solutions and support data management throughout...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$68K - $131K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace by supporting the design and optimization of advanced components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet b...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$62K - $111K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of test engineering by supporting the development and commissioning of test solutions, enhancing production efficiency, and driving continuous improvement in test...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

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.