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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$105K - $155K *

Shape project success by leading engineering efforts, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within scope...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$83K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of mechanical engineering in data centers. Collaborate on design, construction, and commissioning while developing AI tools to enhance efficiency. This role offer...

Texas, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $165K *

Champion safety in innovative nuclear fuel recycling by evaluating hazards, developing safety documents, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to enhance safety measu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $150K *

Drive innovative electrical engineering solutions for renewable energy projects, focusing on design, analysis, and collaboration. Engage with diverse teams to enhance processes and ensure compliance w...

Pittsburgh, PARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$346K - $500K+*

Shape a secure future for research technologies. Lead in defining security for multi-cloud environments that enable high-compute research, ensuring safety in CI/CD practices and automated systems for...

Berkeley, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining nuclear power engineering by designing innovative systems and leading projects that enhance plant operations and safety. Collaborate with clients and drive impactful modi...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Lead engineering projects in nuclear power systems design, focusing on modifications, analyses, and vendor evaluations. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$101K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by leading innovative electrical engineering projects. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, enhance technical designs, and mentor junior engineers while driving excellence in sy...

Little Rock, ARRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in transforming concepts into buildable systems by leveraging your expertise in applications engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver precise layouts, cost-effec...

Louisville, KYRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$164K - $226K *

Transform the identity and access landscape by designing scalable systems for user management, authentication, and authorization. Collaborate with security teams to ensure robust, secure solutions tha...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading power systems engineering for transmission protection. Drive compliance, enhance reliability, and guide teams in innovative solutions to shape the future of energy with adv...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$118K - $180K *

Lead a team in tackling complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery through effective coordination, technical oversight, and client engagement. Drive innovation and mentor te...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $120K *

Shape innovative engineering solutions as you lead complex projects, focusing on low to medium voltage power systems in industrial settings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior e...

Warrenville, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$111K - $150K *

Join a team that's advancing renewable energy solutions through expert power system analysis. Lead complex studies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovative engineering practices...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$104K - $173K *

Lead the charge in spacecraft structural analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure design integrity through advanced simulations, testing, and documentation in a fast-paced environment focused on...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $165K *

Drive innovative fuel performance analysis to optimize design and support advanced fission solutions. Collaborate across teams, develop methodologies, and document findings to contribute to our clean...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in technical project management for energy initiatives. Oversee installations, ensure quality, and drive projects from kickoff to completion while building critical partnerships and im...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $115K *

Advance the development of EV charging infrastructure by supporting project management activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring project controls are effectively maintained a...

Los Angeles, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Innovate your career with a key role supporting the global launch and technical operations of radiopharmaceuticals, driving compliance, quality initiatives, and collaboration with CDMOs while leading...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$160K - $200K *

Unlock potential by leading technical direction in autonomy systems. Drive ownership of advanced perception, prediction, and planning components with cross-stack influence, facilitating innovation and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$250K - $300K *

Accelerate progress at a forward-thinking company by leading a dynamic engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence while delivering innovative product features and driving technical growth. Co...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$82K - $87K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing research through technology. Lead and mentor a talented group of professionals in delivering high-performance computing solutions that support innovative rese...

Indiana, USRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$146K - $192K *

Drive project success by providing engineering support and technical evaluations for electric power generation projects. Collaborate with clients on design reviews, economic analysis, and risk assessm...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$200K - $280K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI in biology by leading a team to design benchmarks and enhance model performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure quali...

San Francisco, CARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $117K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in structural engineering to ensure the integrity and safety of marine vessels. Collaborate with a dynamic team to support critical naval operations and e...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information 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.