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.
$126K - $213K *
Engage with us to design, build, and maintain cutting-edge cloud infrastructure. You'll enhance our Kubernetes platform, drive GitOps practices, and empower developers through automation and infrastru...
Reposted 3 days ago
Staff Engineer - Connectors Power BU
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of power connector innovation, leading product development initiatives while driving cross-functional collaboration and mentoring engineering talent to deliver hig...
3 days ago
Senior Controls Engineer, Manufacturing
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of dental technology by leading software development for specialized machines, shaping the future of custom prosthetics manufacturing in a dynamic, high-growth env...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI engineering by leading technical outcomes, architecting production systems, and mentoring teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure operational excelle...
3 days ago
$170K - $190K *
Join a team that's transforming EEG analysis through innovative web applications that enhance data analytics, clinical studies, and patient diagnostics, improving lives through technology-driven insig...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Program Systems Engineer, Cyclops (remote considered)
$150K - $230K *
Architect system-level requirements and verification plans for a complex aerospace program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure coherent design and integration across multiple engineerin...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $190K *
Drive the design and operation of robust AI systems, leading technical delivery and guiding teams in building high-throughput pipelines and production services that enhance customer engagement across...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $190K *
Shape the future of AI by building scalable AI agents that drive innovation across healthcare applications, fostering collaboration with diverse teams to implement advanced solutions and ensure operat...
4 weeks ago
Advisory Engineer, AI Security
$130K - $155K *
Discover innovative security solutions for AI technologies, ensuring compliance and best practices across product development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement secure ar...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Make your mark as a full stack engineer, driving innovation and collaboration across teams to build high-quality, scalable applications and elevate user experiences. Shape our technology and play a ke...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Engineer, Supply Chain Integrations
$85K - $100K *
Transform supply chain efficiency through innovative technology solutions, guiding engineering operations and strategic initiatives while ensuring optimal performance across diverse applications in an...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Elevate your career by driving innovative structural designs for light-gauge and cold-formed steel systems in modular and prefabricated buildings, ensuring compliance with California codes and enhanci...
Reposted today
Staff Software Engineer, Speech
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's transforming healthcare by leading the development of a high-performance Speech Platform. Leverage your audio expertise to mentor engineers, collaborate with scientists, and drive i...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leveraging diverse engineering skills to enhance control systems and data infrastructure, improving software practices and cloud operations across innovative facilities. Embrace un...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Forensic Electrical Engineer.P.E.
$130K - $145K *
Elevate your career by investigating complex electrical failures, providing expert analyses, and collaborating with a national team in a dynamic, remote environment. Drive results for diverse clients...
Yesterday
$90K - $110K *
Drive innovation by deploying and troubleshooting advanced IP networks in diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to integrate cutting-edge security technologies while ensuring seamless connectiv...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Elevate your career by conducting proactive threat hunting and analysis to combat complex fraud in a dynamic financial ecosystem. Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline threat intelligence and e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Grants Consultant - Scientific Research Focus
$82K - $110K *
Champion grant proposal excellence by collaborating with clients to enhance competitiveness in scientific research funding. Drive impactful outcomes through expert consulting, training, and proposal d...
4 days ago
Environmental Engineer-Water and Waste Compliance-Remote
$91K - $140K *
Champion environmental compliance by providing expert guidance on water and waste management across multiple manufacturing sites. Collaborate with teams to develop strategies that mitigate risks and e...
3 weeks ago
Senior AI Compute Engineer - NVIS
$148K - $287K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing AI Compute systems by deploying and managing cutting-edge infrastructure. Collaborate with customers and internal teams to implement large-scale projects, ensuring o...
3 weeks ago
$106K - $198K *
Create innovative data solutions by delivering full-stack capabilities across the data lifecycle. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and optimize data processing pipelines that ensure accura...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of advanced simulation capabilities to validate technology and services, ensuring alignment with internal teams and managing customer requests while integrating external tools for...
2 weeks ago
Sr Staff Outbound Product Manager - AI Assistant
$190K - $334K *
Lead the charge in shaping the future of AI solutions by driving market success for our Assistant portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user adoption and ensure seamless integr...
2 days ago
$85K - $125K *
Engage in high-volume data processing projects using cutting-edge technologies to empower data scientists and analysts in deriving insights from vast data sets. Collaborate effectively to enhance data...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$152K - $278K *
Elevate innovation by designing and deploying advanced AI solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business impact through cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies in a...
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.