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.
Senior Project Hydrogeologist (USA)
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Reimagine backend solutions while enhancing core services for speech processing. Design robust, scalable systems to streamline compute orchestration and optimize performance, driving innovation throug...
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Execute engineering design and management of plumbing systems for healthcare facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality deliverables while mentoring junior staff, utilizing...
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Senior Research Scientist - AI Security
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Lead the charge in advancing AI security research by innovating protective measures for AI models and systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges and co...
3 days ago
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Drive innovation by designing and developing scalable backend services, collaborating closely with engineering teams to enhance platform performance and reliability while mentoring junior developers a...
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Transform the future of correctional facility design by managing electrical engineering standards and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. Lead technical reviews, oversee construction, and pro...
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Unlock potential by creating scalable, fault-tolerant data systems to support ML and analytics workflows, enabling efficient data processing for critical teams at a leading tech company. Collaborate a...
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$181K - $226K *
Join our dynamic team as a Software Engineer, where you'll enhance internal tools, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements in cloud infrastructure and observability, all while working in...
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Forward Deployed Engineer - RiskOS Agents
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Unlock potential by driving AI-powered workflows from conception to deployment. Engage with strategic partners and large enterprises to translate complex operations into reusable systems that enhance...
4 weeks ago
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Collaborate with diverse teams to provide expert technical guidance and direction for geotechnical projects, ensuring feasibility and efficient bidding processes through thorough analysis and innovati...
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Machine Learning Engineer - Core Signals
$180K - $275K *
Innovate in a dynamic full-stack ML role focusing on user-behavioral modeling and core product development. Collaborate extensively across teams, driving R&D gains while contributing to data processin...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Engineer (Full Stack)
$120K - $200K *
Unlock potential by joining our engineering team to build high-performance, user-facing trading products. Shape the future of real-time web applications while collaborating across the stack to deliver...
4 weeks ago
Director, Electrical Engineering
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Drive strategic leadership in electrical engineering, overseeing project execution and team development while ensuring quality and compliance across multidisciplinary projects. Foster collaboration an...
Yesterday
Software Engineer, AI Automation
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Advance your career by solving complex automation challenges using AI. Collaborate closely with business teams to create effective agents that streamline operations, leveraging your expertise in LLM a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize project financial performance by managing accounting processes, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with project teams to enhance profitability and cash flow. Drive timely reporting and su...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $165K *
Optimize data systems by designing and maintaining scalable solutions that enhance decision-making. Collaborate across teams, mentor junior engineers, and streamline data processes to ensure high-qual...
Today
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Develop cutting-edge ML workflows and infrastructure, influence company direction, and tackle complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced environment, boosting productivity and innovation across te...
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Engineering Programs & Performance Lead
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Shape the future of engineering programs by driving strategy, governance, and continuous improvement across a global portfolio. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure operational excellence and measura...
5 days ago
System Architect, New Products
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Transform the future of AI by architecting core building blocks for agentic systems, ensuring robust infrastructure and shared primitives that enhance collaboration across teams and drive innovation i...
3 weeks ago
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Unlock potential by driving technical sales engagement in power conversion and energy storage markets. Collaborate with diverse teams to align customer needs with innovative solutions, ensuring commer...
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Principal Engineer - Reporting & Insights
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Join a team that's redefining financial insights through AI. As a senior technical leader, you'll shape the multi-year strategy for Reporting & Insights, guiding engineering teams to innovate and scal...
3 days ago
Senior Software Safety Engineer, Halos - Autonomous Vehicles
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Elevate safety standards in AI-driven autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and implement safety requirements across software and hardware, driving innovatio...
1 week ago
$149K - $198K *
Champion the development of reliable software releases for autonomous vehicles by building and automating pipelines, ensuring quality and speed through effective collaboration and innovative engineeri...
4 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer, Developer Compute Platform
$248K - $391K *
Shape the future of cloud-hosted compute environments by leading the architecture and development of AI agent platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance solutions a...
4 days ago
$120K - $180K *
Contribute to the compliance framework and processes for regulated facilities. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to achieve regulatory commitment while ensuring safe and efficient operations o...
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.