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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$103K - $138K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality assurance for Field Engineering projects, acting as the key liaison among internal teams and customers. Oversee inspections, audits, and corrective actions to meet...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Elevate security standards by leading bug bounty programs, conducting audits, and enhancing software supply chain security. Collaborate across teams to build innovative tools that protect users and en...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $170K *

Engineer innovative mechanical solutions for DOJ/BOP facilities, providing expert analysis and support for HVAC systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance decision-making through technical docu...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform complex data into actionable insights by leveraging your ML engineering expertise and research mindset. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deploy high-quality models acro...

New York City, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $170K *

Unlock potential by providing architectural engineering support for DOJ/BOP facilities. Collaborate on technical analyses, document reviews, and design recommendations to enhance decision-making and p...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive your career with impactful identity and access management solutions. Collaborate with teams and clients to enhance security and efficiency through innovative technology implementations and opera...

Tampa, FLRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K *

Engage in cutting-edge AI projects by developing and deploying NLP models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and scalability, utilizing frameworks like PyTorch or TensorF...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic Site Design team to manage projects, prepare design documents, and collaborate with clients and staff. Leverage your engineering expertise to positively impact communities through innov...

Oklahoma, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic Site Design team to manage and execute civil engineering projects, ensuring quality design and effective communication with clients and teams. Contribute to impactful land development i...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$137K - $231K *

Empower your career by shaping design systems that enhance user experience. Collaborate with teams to build high-quality, interactive UI across platforms, ensuring accessibility and performance while...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $195K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of design engineering by developing innovative systems that enhance user experience across web and mobile platforms. Your expertise will drive quality and perform...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Unlock your potential as you design and implement cutting-edge protective relay systems, ensuring safety and efficiency across multiple projects while collaborating with engineers and clients to deliv...

Tennessee, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Drive innovation in backend development and blockchain infrastructure, shaping the future of global payments. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and scale solutions to millions while...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to lead analytical quality in consulting engagements, developing research approaches and guiding teams. You'll ensure sound methodologies, oversee data analysis, and translate findings...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$133K - $190K *

Innovate in machine learning and AI by conducting research on large-scale models, developing methodologies, and collaborating with teams to enhance personalization systems and user experiences...

New York, NYRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$117K - $195K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge avionics architectures for diverse missions. Leverage your expertise in command and data handling to optimize system performance and ensure seamless integrat...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $198K *

Champion advanced AI research by leading safety studies in NLP, CV, and more. Drive innovation through independent testing, proposal development, and collaborative efforts. Play a vital role in public...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with an innovative team designing and managing a Kubernetes control plane for seamless deployment and operations, ensuring production reliability, customer onboarding, and infrastruct...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $135K *

Drive operational excellence by leveraging data analysis and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead initiatives that enhance performance across functions, mentor teams, and align improvements with strateg...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$56K - $114K *

Help us advance our secure computing environment by maintaining and optimizing infrastructure, ensuring reliability and performance, and supporting the deployment of new technologies while providing e...

Lansing, MIRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Unlock innovative AI/ML solutions by designing, developing, and deploying advanced models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data analysis and automate processes, driving intelligent...

Sterling, VARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $110K *

Analyze diverse research projects to provide actionable insights for leadership. Collaborate with a dynamic team, utilizing AI tools and your curiosity to tackle complex questions and deliver clear, c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform fixed equipment engineering by providing expert guidance on pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Manage projects from proposal to completion, ensuring compliance with industry standards whi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$184K - $287K *

Drive the future of AI infrastructure by building automation and tools for large-scale GPU systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production reliability and ensure seamless operat...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.