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.
$133K - $199K *
Champion a high-performing team of data engineers to drive data transformation, influence technical architecture, and ensure reliable data systems while aligning with business objectives and engineeri...
Yesterday
$171K - $300K *
Join a pioneering team to architect and operate production-grade agentic AI systems that enhance enterprise security and automate identity management at Fortune 500 scale. Shape the future of autonomo...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $95K *
Optimize energy efficiency programs through engineering calculations, simulations, and technical design. Develop strategies, oversee project execution, and provide expert guidance to enhance client su...
4 weeks ago
Senior System Software Engineer, Agentic Retrieval
$184K - $356K *
Unlock your potential by developing cutting-edge pipelines for multi-modal content retrieval. Collaborate with experts in Generative AI and enhance user experiences through innovative software solutio...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion the development of an autonomous AI platform through full-stack engineering, enhancing multi-agent systems and ensuring robust quality and safety standards across production deployments...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Gen AI | Voice & Speech
$150K - $180K *
Reimagine healthcare communication by leading AI-driven innovation. As a technical cornerstone, you'll design robust ML infrastructure enabling teams to deliver high-quality, customer-facing products...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development
$100K - $120K *
Drive advancements in operational wave modeling by enhancing predictive capabilities, integrating innovative AI techniques, and collaborating across sectors to protect coastal communities and improve...
3 weeks ago
Principal Structural Engineer, Global
$170K - $175K *
Champion innovative structural design for mission-critical data centers, focusing on prefabricated and modular construction. Lead technical strategy, establish design standards, and ensure safety and...
2 weeks ago
Site Reliability Engineer (Linux)
$120K - $145K *
Join our team to architect and manage cloud infrastructure, tackling complex data security challenges while improving automation and enhancing stability for enterprise solutions. Ideal for hands-on pr...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to empower enterprise customers with innovative sourcing solutions, manage complex RFPs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive procurement success while leveraging cutting-edge...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$105K - $165K *
Innovate by leading the development of cutting-edge harness engineering solutions. Create controls that enhance the AI coding process, ensuring quality and efficiency in production through hands-on de...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$130K - $200K *
Transform your career by designing and deploying AI agents that enhance business workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive measurable outcomes through innovative solutions and mentorship in a...
1 week ago
Senior Underground Transmission Line Engineer 2 - Grid
$100K - $152K *
Transform underground transmission line engineering by designing systems up to 500kV. Lead project teams, conduct cost analyses, and ensure compliance with industry standards while collaborating with...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to drive innovative security solutions, engaging with customers and partners to address their unique challenges. Leverage your expertise in pre-sales and engineering to enhance operati...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive collaboration with sales teams to identify prospects and deliver tailored security solutions, addressing technical challenges and enhancing customer engagement through education and presentation...
6 days ago
Founding Senior Infra Engineer, Distributed Infra
$150K - $180K *
Manage the lifecycle of accelerator clusters, ensuring efficient capacity, reliability, and security. Collaborate across teams to enhance infrastructure, automate processes, and lead initiatives that...
1 week ago
$111K - $125K *
Elevate your career by leading impactful engineering projects, ensuring quality and budget adherence while leveraging advanced AI tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape sustainable built envi...
3 weeks ago
Staff Applied AI Engineer - Enterprise AI Solutions
$230K - $360K *
Elevate customer success by designing and deploying innovative Gen AI and ML solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex needs into impactful AI tools, ensuring reliability and busin...
2 weeks ago
$84K - $87K *
Unlock potential by leveraging engineering expertise to analyze, design, and deliver innovative solutions for diverse civil projects, collaborating across disciplines to meet client needs and regulato...
4 days ago
$84K - $87K *
Launch your engineering career by contributing to innovative civil projects, utilizing advanced software, and collaborating across disciplines to shape the future built environment while adhering to r...
4 days ago
Translational AI Scientist/Engineer
$150K - $185K *
Unlock potential by designing and deploying AI systems that enhance translational science, enabling evidence-based recommendations for drug discovery and target validation through innovative technolog...
1 week ago
Site Reliability Engineering Team Lead (Principal SRE)
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading our Site Reliability Engineering team, ensuring the reliability and performance of our cloud-native platform. Drive technical excellence, cultivate a high-performance cultu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading electrical engineering projects, ensuring compliance with standards and specifications. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions while mentoring junior engine...
Yesterday
Advanced Industrial Engineering Lead
$110K - $130K *
Transform operations by leading a dedicated team to optimize manufacturing systems, ensuring efficiency, quality, and scalability while fostering growth and competitive advantage in a dynamic environm...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $135K *
Elevate user experience by conducting comprehensive UX research that transforms insights into actionable improvements for digital workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline proce...
4 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.