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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Member of Technical Staff, AI Researcher (New Stealth Startup)
$250K - $400K *
Shape the future of AI by designing evaluation frameworks and feedback systems that enhance model performance. Collaborate across teams to translate research into scalable solutions, driving impactful...
Today
Scientific Solutions Consultant
$100K - $120K *
Transform your career by guiding scientific innovation for research leaders, leveraging Cradle's cutting-edge platform. Partner with sales to enhance customer strategies while shaping product evolutio...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer -- Agentic AI
$224K - $431K *
Architect scalable systems for agentic AI, tackling challenges in runtimes and large-scale execution to deliver production-quality solutions. Collaborate across teams for optimal performance and resou...
Reposted 5 days ago
Engineering Materials Manager (Remote)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leading materials management for a Nuclear Development project. Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and vendors to ensure effective planning and execution, driving project s...
1 week ago
Linux Development Engineer – eLxr Distribution
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of Linux development by enhancing a Debian-based distribution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable platform capabilities for mission-criti...
1 week ago
Principal Systems Engineer - AV Sensor Design
$238K - $365K *
Join a team that's redefining lidar technology for autonomy products. Lead the technical strategy, collaborate with experts, and drive innovations from concept to production, ensuring performance and...
1 week ago
Customer Quality Engineer (H/F)
$80K - $95K *
Transform customer satisfaction by leading quality analysis and improvement projects. Collaborate with diverse teams across multiple sites to ensure product excellence and responsiveness to client nee...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...
1 week ago
Staff Site Reliability Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Drive the design and optimization of scalable, reliable infrastructure for AI-driven cybersecurity. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and automate processes, ensuring efficient operation...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
AI Systems Engineer, Hardware Architecture
$160K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading the architectural strategy for AI systems in next-gen computing. Shape the roadmap for AI inference and training across immersive devices, driving cross-functional collabor...
2 weeks ago
Research Scientist/Engineer 2, SeaHub
$68K - $113K *
Unlock new discoveries by performing molecular biology experiments, DNA sequencing, and data analysis in a collaborative lab environment. Contribute to innovative research that enhances our understand...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower clinical research by leading studies in infectious diseases, ensuring scientific integrity and collaboration with stakeholders. Drive trial design, monitor data, and support medical activities...
4 days ago
$120K - $140K *
Shape the future of cooling technology by developing cost models for large-scale systems. Collaborate with leadership and engineering to optimize pricing strategies, enhance margins, and drive growth...
2 days ago
Remote Aviation Design Manager
$110K - $130K *
Optimize design processes and lead a team of Design Leads to ensure high-quality project deliverables. Collaborate with project managers to balance resources, enforce design standards, and drive conti...
1 week ago
Transmission Line Engineer (Entry-level)
$90K - $105K *
Contribute to the design and execution of transmission line projects, enhancing your engineering skills and gaining experience in multidimensional team coordination and client engagement while support...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$229K - $258K *
Empower a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative security tools. Own product development from roadmap to rollout, fostering collaboration and driving results in a fast-paced environment focuse...
3 weeks ago
Senior Application Security Researcher
$135K - $160K *
Engineer next-gen AppSec solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance detection capabilities and drive innovation in vulnerability research and autonomous pen-testing...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Team Lead, Simulation Infrastructure
$200K - $275K *
Lead and optimize cloud infrastructure for simulation frameworks, driving team performance and technical strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance validation processes and ensure robust soft...
Reposted 2 days ago
Member of Technical Staff (GPU Performance Engineer)
$150K - $180K *
Bring your expertise to enhance GPU performance through Python and model training improvements. Collaborate in optimizing infrastructure, scaling GPU jobs, and fine-tuning processes while contributing...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Application Engineer (Technical Sales) - Defense
$108K - $181K *
Create impactful technical solutions in military electrification projects. Collaborate with defense clients and provide expertise throughout the proposal process, ensuring compliance and mission effec...
Reposted today
Manager, Software Engineering - Engineering Tools
$120K - $148K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AEC software by leading engineering talent and enhancing workflows. Drive innovation in Autodesk Revit add-ins and tools while fostering a collaborative enviro...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer, Video Intelligence
$160K - $206K *
Innovate video intelligence capabilities by developing advanced video-language understanding, enhancing AI search and summarization, and collaborating across teams to transition models from research t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
2 weeks ago
$157K - $174K *
Elevate technical execution in GMP manufacturing by leading complex workstreams for comparability strategies, tech transfers, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensur...
5 days ago
Field Applications Engineer (TEM)
$110K - $130K *
Empower semiconductor innovation by providing technical expertise and solutions that enhance product development and integration, ensuring customer success through collaborative application developmen...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What is a Research Engineer?
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?
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?
Research Engineers are hired across technology, AI, robotics, biotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing, academia, and research laboratories, among other sectors.
How much do Research Engineers earn?
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?
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.