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.
$87K - $114K *
Join a dynamic team to manage mechanical engineering projects from concept to production, ensuring timely implementation and compliance. Collaborate on design improvements, conduct tests, and provide...
6 days ago
$80K - $120K *
Engage in mechanical design, prototype fabrication, and testing while supporting technical capture efforts for government R&D projects. Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams to enhance solutions...
Reposted yesterday
Engineering Supervisor - Systems
$110K - $130K *
Elevate engineering excellence by supervising 2nd shift teams to ensure timely design, outfitting, and testing of electric drive systems for COLUMBIA Class ships, focusing on proactive problem-solving...
Reposted 1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer, Product Design
$190K - $210K *
Take ownership of mechanical design from concept to testing, developing robust electromechanical systems and collaborating across teams to ensure products are manufacturable, reliable, and ready for r...
3 weeks ago
Sr Advanced Project Engineer - New Product Development
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in advanced engineering projects, driving innovation and collaboration across teams to deliver high-quality aerospace solutions while managing schedules, risks, and budgets effectively...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate your career in water resources management, leading projects and teams. Engage in design, analysis, and communication with clients, while ensuring quality standards and safety in challenging...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform your career by providing engineering and consulting services across diverse projects. Lead investigations, design plans, and ensure compliance while collaborating with clients and teams to d...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in delivering engineering and consulting services across diverse projects. Oversee investigations, analyses, and design while ensuring compliance and quality standards. Collaborate wit...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Transform projects by providing engineering expertise and consulting services, ensuring compliance with standards, and guiding teams through various tasks. Collaborate with clients and peers while man...
3 weeks ago
R&D Director - Data Center & BESS
$150K - $180K *
Empower a team focused on R&D innovation for critical infrastructure. Lead the design of cutting-edge liquid cooling and power supply solutions that thrive in data centers and battery energy storage s...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize manufacturing processes by enhancing tools and methods. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, and productivity while ensuring compliance with customer and engine...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Drive safety and efficiency by designing engineering solutions, optimizing workflows, and leading SHEA programs in a modern repair facility. Collaborate across teams to enhance operations for industri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$82K - $116K *
Drive manufacturing excellence by optimizing processes and supporting new product launches. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity, quality, and safety in a dynamic environmen...
4 days ago
$90K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading complex control system projects, providing engineering expertise, and ensuring exceptional customer service. Collaborate with teams to deliver projects on time and within b...
Reposted 1 week ago
Exterior Accessories Design & Release Engineer
$60K - $105K *
Unlock your potential by designing and releasing innovative exterior automotive accessories. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects from concept to launch, while ensuring quality an...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Project Development Engineering Specialist
$130K - $155K *
Take ownership of complex pipeline projects, leading them from conception to sanction. Collaborate across teams to ensure cost-effective solutions while managing risks and enhancing processes for effi...
Yesterday
Staff Engineer, Fuel Systems - Ranger (R6299)
$170K - $260K *
Drive the design and integration of advanced aircraft fuel systems, ensuring technical excellence from concept to operational deployment while collaborating across teams to deliver innovative solution...
4 days ago
Propulsion Production Engineer
$82K - $136K *
Lead the charge in supporting assembly and testing of propulsion systems, ensuring high-quality hardware performance across satellite programs while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achiev...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Engineer - Generative AI Engineer
$138K - $165K *
Shape the future of technology by owning solution design, guiding teams, and enhancing system performance. Collaborate on microservices and ensure robust authentication while managing risks and depend...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Design and optimize transformers and components, collaborating with teams to enhance product performance and compliance. Mentor junior engineers while driving innovation and efficiency in a dynamic en...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join our dynamic engineering team to lead electrical project execution, influence design strategies, and engage with customers on cutting-edge defense programs throughout the entire project lifecycle...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Project Engineer Downstream, Capital Projects
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of biomass processing through innovative engineering, guiding projects from concept to reality while ensuring high-quality standards in a collaborative environment...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead innovative mechanical integration projects for advanced thermal energy storage systems, enhancing energy efficiency and resiliency in data centers. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive impactf...
Today
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in electrical design for power generation and distribution systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver integrated solutions...
1 week ago
Engineering Technician IV Semiconductor Equipment
$81K - $122K *
Drive your career forward by providing critical support for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Collaborate closely with customers to ensure optimal functionality, conduct training, and contribute...
3 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.