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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$92K - $115K *

Transform Technology operations by designing and implementing automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and support continuous improvement across various teams and projects...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Innovate your career by leading the development of groundbreaking chemical refining processes while optimizing controls for automated plant operations and enhancing team capabilities in a dynamic, gro...

Moab, UTRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$152K - $287K *

Join a team that builds and operates large-scale GPU infrastructure for AI workloads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automation and tools, ensuring reliability and efficiency in pr...

Santa Clara, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$184K - $287K *

Transform production infrastructure by automating bare-metal provisioning and enhancing GPU capacity management. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability and efficiency in AI workloads, driving...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $220K *

Take ownership of the entire algorithm development lifecycle. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and optimize machine learning models for analyzing biosignal data in heal...

Boston, MARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $107K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of energy efficiency through innovative analysis and project support. Collaborate with engineers to drive sustainability initiatives and enhance energy conservati...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$135K - $160K *

Explore exciting challenges in AI evaluation by developing frameworks and custom validators for cutting-edge machine learning applications. Collaborate to enhance the quality and reliability of AI age...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $175K *

Transform data into insights by designing and maintaining scalable knowledge graph solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data quality and accessibility, while optimizing perform...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $180K *

Lead innovative geotechnical engineering projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions for transportation, hydroelectric, and civil infrastructure. Drive design, analysis...

Vancouver, BCRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $220K *

Deliver innovative data pipelines for legal records, transforming unstructured data into actionable insights while supporting advanced AI workflows and data quality improvements for robust legal resea...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Transform the future of automation by leading innovative robotic solutions. Drive design, compliance, and manufacturing processes while mentoring a high-performing team in a dynamic, growth-stage envi...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$152K - $287K *

Empower the future of security engineering by leading security initiatives for complex GPU systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security frameworks and ensure robust mitigation...

Santa Clara, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$111K - $213K *

Champion advancements in nuclear safety analysis by leading critical thermal hydraulic evaluations. Collaborate within a skilled team to ensure compliance, enhance methods, and drive innovative soluti...

Atlanta, GARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $100K *

Champion energy efficiency initiatives by engaging with customers, analyzing data, and providing expert guidance on HVAC and energy management solutions to maximize savings across large commercial and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $110K *

Innovate and enhance software solutions in a dynamic SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while driving continuous impro...

Puerto Rico, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Build innovative software solutions by leveraging your backend expertise in Ruby or Python. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences while maintaining high standards for cod...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by working in a collaborative team to design, analyze, and improve complex control systems in nuclear power plants, focusing on innovative solutions and critical project executio...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $150K *

Lead the charge in environmental policy analysis and compliance, ensuring adherence to NEPA and other regulations. Collaborate with agencies, conduct research, and draft reports to support sustainable...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$159K - $213K *

Shape the future of urban infrastructure by leading engineering initiatives, guiding a talented team, and influencing community development. Drive strategic planning and operational excellence to enha...

Roseville, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $140K *

Empower progress at the forefront of telecommunications by leveraging your structural engineering expertise to enhance infrastructure resilience and mentor emerging talent in a dynamic environment...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Champion power system analysis by conducting modeling for transmission planning studies, ensuring compliance with NERC standards, and delivering high-quality technical reports while managing multiple...

Austin, TXRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$87K - $108K *

Shape the future of fire protection engineering by designing innovative fire suppression and alarm systems for diverse, complex infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ens...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Drive your career with a Senior Site Reliability Engineer role focused on building secure AWS GovCloud foundations for FedRAMP High and IL5, ensuring compliance and operational excellence while mentor...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$60K - $120K *

Unlock potential by deploying and supporting advanced robotic systems in diverse environments. Collaborate with teams, troubleshoot issues, and enhance client experiences through effective communicati...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.