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 Engineering Manager - Machine Learning Data Enablement
$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...
1 month ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Proposal Developer - Water & Environment
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
3 days ago
Protection and Controls Engineer
$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...
Yesterday
Software Engineer - ML Ops (R37)
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
1 month ago
Senior Engineer - Desktop Application
$180K - $195K *
Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...
1 week ago
Civil Engineer - Mission Critical (REMOTE)
$90K - $145K *
Collaborate within a dedicated team to design and execute innovative civil engineering solutions for Mission Critical Data Center projects in a dynamic environment, engaging with diverse clients and d...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager, AI Foundations
$253K - $298K *
Transform AI infrastructure by leading engineering efforts, driving innovation, and ensuring operational excellence across shared services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security...
1 week ago
Engineering Project/Process Manager (Print, Packaging and Prepress Technologies)
$99K - $158K *
Join a team that's leading innovation in print and packaging processes. Drive complex projects, enhance workflows, and ensure top-tier color management across multiple business units while collaborati...
2 days ago
$116K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement cloud security solutions, enhancing information security and compliance while mitigating cyber threats across the organization. Drive innovation and improve...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer 2 - Development Infrastructure
$149K - $214K *
Lead the charge in enhancing development infrastructure, driving engineering excellence through innovative CI/CD solutions, and fostering collaboration to deliver high-quality software systems that me...
Reposted today
Sr. Project Engineer, RSX (Remote considered)
$165K - $215K *
Empower the engineering team by driving project execution and integration for advanced vehicle development. Ensure alignment of resources, schedules, and technical goals while fostering collaboration...
2 weeks ago
$200K *
Unlock potential by leading complex tunnel and trenchless projects. Leverage your 15+ years of expertise in design and construction management to drive successful outcomes and enhance client relations...
1 week ago
Principal Should Cost Engineer (Remote)
$107K - $204K *
Transform cost engineering by leading modeling and benchmarking efforts, driving transparency in supplier negotiations across diverse products. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative cost soluti...
1 week ago
Senior DevOps Engineer - Robotics Simulation
$130K - $180K *
Optimize the CI/CD infrastructure for a cutting-edge robotics simulation platform. Collaborate with developers and QA to enhance software delivery, ensuring reliability and efficiency across multiple...
Reposted 5 days ago
$148K - $263K *
Drive the design and implementation of AI-First operational environments, architecting resilient multi-cloud networks and building autonomous orchestration layers to enhance security and efficiency ac...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Build robust data platform capabilities to enhance enterprise data usability across applications, analytics, and AI. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and performance in data processing and...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to streamline operations by transforming manual tasks into efficient automation solutions. Leverage your expertise in Ansible, Terraform, and CI/CD to enhance productivity across diver...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the design and management of robust and scalable network infrastructure for hyperscale data centers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance and reliability in support...
3 weeks ago
Senior / Staff Site Reliability Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in optimizing production infrastructure for a high-throughput application. Manage AWS deployments, enhance availability, and drive critical initiatives impacting millions of users glob...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Sales Engineer - eBOS
$155K - $165K *
Shape the future of solar energy by leading the technical strategy and customer engagement for eBOS solutions, ensuring successful deployments and optimization across all project phases. Collaborate c...
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.