Research Engineer Jobs

Research engineers turn scientific ideas into practical systems, tools, and products. They combine engineering expertise with research methods to design experiments, build prototypes, analyze results, and help teams move discoveries toward real-world applications. Explore vetted Research Engineer opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Research Engineer Do?

Responsibilities vary by industry and employer, but often include developing research software or hardware, creating and testing prototypes, designing experiments, processing data, documenting findings, and collaborating with scientists, product teams, and other engineers. In fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, materials science, and biotechnology, research engineers may also build infrastructure that enables teams to train models, run simulations, or evaluate new technologies.

Research Engineer Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek strong engineering fundamentals, analytical thinking, and experience applying technical methods to open-ended problems. Relevant skills may include programming, statistical analysis, machine learning, simulation, experimental design, prototyping, and technical communication. Requirements depend on the specialty; some roles favor a bachelor’s or master’s degree and industry experience, while others may prefer a doctorate or a background in academic or laboratory research.

Where Research Engineers Work

Research engineers work in technology companies, research and development organizations, universities, laboratories, healthcare and biotech firms, and advanced manufacturing. Roles may focus on software, AI, robotics, electrical or mechanical systems, or other specialized areas. Team structures and day-to-day work can differ, so review each job description for its research focus, required expertise, and collaboration model.

Find Research Engineer Jobs on Ladders

Search Ladders for vetted Research Engineer openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation details to find opportunities that fit your technical background and career goals.

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$90K - $110K *

Optimize real-time automation solutions across manufacturing and enterprise levels. Collaborate with engineering teams to design, implement, and enhance systems using diverse programming and design to...

Richmond, VARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by engineering innovative automation solutions across industries. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance operational efficiency and drive real-time information systems from t...

Raleigh, NCRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $110K *

Elevate your career by engineering real-time automation solutions across industries. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and optimize systems that enhance operational efficiency and...

Philadelphia, PARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$84K - $129K *

Empower your career by joining a dynamic team in structural engineering, tackling innovative projects in nuclear facilities. Collaborate, guide, and utilize advanced tools to design and analyze struct...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$139K - $174K *

Lead structural design for complex projects, focusing on data centers and industrial facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring quality and compliance while mentoring junior engine...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$112K - $149K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing aerospace materials technology. In this role, you'll lead the definition and qualification of materials for engine hardware, collaborating with cross-function...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $253K *

Join a dynamic team to lead complex instrumentation and controls engineering projects in nuclear power. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance safety through digital upgrades and strategic c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's focused on optimizing biological treatment systems through innovative solutions. Collaborate closely with clients and internal experts, leveraging your technical expertise to enhanc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$176K - $243K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and delivery of AI/ML systems. Drive architectural decisions, optimize model development, and enhance system reliability while collaborating with cross-functio...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $167K *

Transform your future by leading a dynamic team of electrical engineers in our Mission Critical Department. Elevate project outcomes while driving accountability, fostering growth, and cultivating inn...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$210K *

Lead the charge in forensic electrical investigations, guiding a team through complex analyses of system failures and providing expert insights. Collaborate with clients and internal teams to ensure h...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $150K *

Manage a talented engineering team, driving software development and community collaboration while maintaining high-quality standards and executing on ambitious goals effectively. Engage directly with...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $133K *

Lead customer engagement and technical design for critical power projects, ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborate across teams to resolve issues and manage multiple projects, driving successful...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $240K *

Join us to define and deploy autonomous AI agents at scale, transforming cutting-edge LLM capabilities into reliable, high-availability products while mentoring a team of engineers and setting industr...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $150K *

Shape the future of communication technology by providing expert technical support and training to diverse clients. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions while m...

Phoenix, AZRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $120K *

Champion innovative engineering solutions for gas transmission projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance design quality and operational performance while ensuring compliance with...

Warrenville, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$76K - $143K *

Manage and execute electrical engineering projects with a focus on quality and compliance. Collaborate across teams, providing expertise in design, problem-solving, and mentoring while ensuring adhere...

San Jose, CARemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $185K *

Elevate the legal landscape by leveraging AI to transform workflows. Collaborate with law firms to design and implement innovative solutions, ensuring successful adoption of advanced legal technologie...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Champion our security posture by designing and automating detection and response systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance incident response and improve security practices, ensuring...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI-native software development. Drive engineering excellence by orchestrating autonomous agents and maintaining high-quality standards in a FedRAMP-authorized e...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $115K *

Optimize security measures by leading technical solutions to mitigate information risks. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and oversee incident response, safeguarding all computing platforms a...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$134K - $205K *

Drive modernization of nuclear power plants by leading and supporting control projects, coordinating across disciplines, and ensuring technical execution to enhance operational efficiency and client s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$134K - $205K *

Champion the modernization of nuclear control systems by leading diverse projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful outcomes and client satisfaction in the energy sec...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of electrical safety and engineering by leading global programs, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across multiple sites while mentoring teams and enhancing oper...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$75K - $110K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative civil engineering projects, delivering high-quality site designs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance renewable energy and infrastructure d...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Research Engineer?question toggle

    A Research Engineer applies engineering methods to investigate technical questions and develop tools, prototypes, or systems that advance research or translate discoveries into practical applications.

  • What qualifications do Research Engineer jobs require?question toggle

    Requirements vary by specialty. Employers commonly look for an engineering or related technical degree, relevant programming or laboratory experience, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate research results. Some positions require advanced degrees or specialized expertise.

  • What industries hire Research Engineers?question toggle

    Research Engineers are hired across technology, AI, robotics, biotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing, academia, and research laboratories, among other sectors.

  • How much do Research Engineers earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies based on location, experience, specialization, and employer. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, and job listings may provide role-specific compensation information.

  • How can I find Research Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse Research Engineer listings on Ladders and review each posting’s salary information, responsibilities, and qualifications to identify roles that match your experience and goals.