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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1
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$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI engineering by leading a dynamic group of engineers and Technical Leads. Drive workforce strategy, enhance team capabilities, and ensure sustainable deliver...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to lead technical pre-sales engagements, translating advanced AI solutions into impactful business outcomes for enterprise clients. Collaborate closely with sales and engineering t...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $160K *

Lead the establishment of a Production Site Reliability Engineering team, ensuring high availability and performance of web applications while driving operational excellence and strategic improvement...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Play a key role in transforming raw data into actionable insights by building machine-learning systems. Collaborate across teams to analyze complex datasets and create innovative models for logistics...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Lead supplier quality initiatives to ensure product conformity and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish quality standards, manage audits, and enhance supp...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of server hardware validation. As a Lead Software Test Development Engineer, you'll design and develop test systems, ensuring quality and reliability in large-sca...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$85K - $110K *

Shape the future of utility design by leading a team in joint-use and electrical distribution projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to safety standards while fostering client relationships...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$118K - $192K *

Innovate as a Lead Distribution Engineer, overseeing design teams on complex distribution projects. Drive client relationships and enhance utility solutions, ensuring efficiency and compliance while f...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$134K - $241K *

Champion project success by managing complex construction portfolios through all phases, from planning and execution to closeout, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and facilitating stak...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $120K *

Elevate software quality assurance by testing GIS applications and validating complex datasets. Collaborate with developers and GIS specialists to ensure accuracy and reliability in geospatial data fo...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$77K - $118K *

Join our structural design team to lead innovative projects, utilizing 3D modeling software to create structural layouts and solve complex design challenges. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining patient experiences by developing robust AI/ML systems. In this hands-on role, you’ll lead engineering efforts across shared infrastructure, ensuring impactful AI solutio...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Elevate client experiences by optimizing multi-cloud hosting environments. As a key technical leader, ensure performance, security, and reliability while driving strategic improvements and collaborati...

Bedford, NHRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $125K *

Lead innovative design solutions as a Senior Design Engineer, transforming client needs into actionable broadcast system designs. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure pro...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$80K - $90K *

Unlock your potential by designing prompt strategies that enhance data annotation and localization workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive AI-driven solutions, ensuring quality and...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in uncovering user insights to enrich product experiences. Collaborate across teams to implement research findings, enhance usability, and establish a culture that prioritizes user-fir...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$195K - $270K *

Lead a high-performing team to optimize data lifecycle processes for ML models, driving improvements in data evaluation velocity and production readiness by integrating robust infrastructures and fost...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by designing and developing safety-critical firmware for vehicle control systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance performance and ensure compliance with forma...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Contribute to our technical sales initiatives by bridging client needs with software solutions, leading discovery processes, and designing integration strategies for successful implementations...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $140K *

Engage in a collaborative environment to enhance and maintain critical infrastructure. Drive improvements in production systems, utilizing coding skills to tackle real-world challenges and ensure oper...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$93K - $126K *

Help us lead complex proposals and interviews, enhancing our proposal practices while mentoring colleagues and driving strategic improvements across the organization. Your expertise will shape our app...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$91K - $148K *

Transform your career by leading complex projects, managing resources, and ensuring quality deliverables. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive strategic initiatives and maintain client relationship...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Innovate within a dynamic team to lead electrical engineering design for grid modernization projects. Drive client engagement and mentor junior engineers while ensuring high-quality deliverables in a...

Houston, TXRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$140K - $270K *

Unlock your potential by managing ML systems at scale, ensuring uptime and observability. Collaborate on deploying and scaling models, while enhancing platform reliability through advanced engineering...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $160K *

Drive cybersecurity solutions by managing security platforms, improving detection logic, and leading incident response efforts while ensuring operational health and compliance across diverse client en...

United StatesRemote

1 month 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.