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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$110K - $130K *

Develop technical requirements for utility-scale battery energy storage systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications while drivin...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $118K *

Elevate the quality of software by designing automated testing frameworks and integrating AI tools for enhanced efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth delivery of hig...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Architect solutions to enhance DevOps teams' security by managing pre-sales technical support, conducting product demos, and serving as a subject matter expert in CI/CD integrations and workflows. Eng...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join our dynamic Talent Acquisition team as a Technical Recruiter, managing the full-cycle hiring process to attract top talent for our Prime contracts supporting the Intelligence Community, emphasizi...

Annapolis, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in providing expert environmental consulting solutions for industrial clients across the U.S., focusing on permitting, compliance, and risk-reduction while nurturing client relationshi...

Texas, USRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$171K - $245K *

Empower program delivery by leveraging AI-driven tools and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage complex projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment wh...

San Jose, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$138K - $189K *

Champion audio innovation by developing and optimizing DSP software for embedded platforms, ensuring high-quality signal processing across diverse audio products while collaborating with cross-functio...

Framingham, MARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Optimize data governance by collaborating with stakeholders to establish definitions and standards across multiple business domains while enhancing data management processes for improved accuracy and...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to drive technical vision and operational excellence in cloud-native platforms. Lead engineering efforts, champion security practices, and empower talent while ensuring system stab...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$141K - $184K *

Lead the design of high voltage transmission lines, utilizing advanced engineering techniques and PLS-CADD software. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to deliver comprehensive project documentat...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Empower growth in a vital industrial sector by leading customer engagement and collaboration in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, focusing on advanced rotating equipment solutions for enhancing plan...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Partner with us to bridge technical solutions and customer needs in a dynamic, cross-functional role. Utilize your expertise to drive adoption of AI agents, influencing product roadmaps and enhancing...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $140K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative AI applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect solutions, mentor engineers, and ensure reliable, secure systems that al...

San Antonio, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of optical communication systems by leading complex analog layout design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior engin...

Ottawa, ONRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Champion the development of an AI platform by leading a team to architect and build essential systems for AI-driven applications, ensuring reliability and scalability while collaborating with cross-fu...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $190K *

Develop and scale backend systems for a data infrastructure platform, focusing on PostgreSQL, Kafka event pipelines, and GraphQL APIs. Collaborate across teams to enhance data usability and support cl...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$154K - $260K *

Join an innovative team to lead and evolve critical Core Infrastructure. Oversee infrastructure strategy, improve operational health, and drive automation to boost performance across a globally distri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $260K *

Drive product innovation by owning full product lines from ideation to delivery, engaging customers, and shaping technical architecture. Ideal for product engineers ready to lead significant initiativ...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, ensuring compliance with DO-178 and DO-254 standards. Collaborate with engineers and certification authorities to enhance software quali...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Transform data into actionable insights as a Data Engineer for AI & ML. Drive innovative projects, design scalable architectures, and engage with stakeholders to enhance federal mission capabilities w...

Mc Lean, VARemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of security by leading software projects, mentoring engineers, and driving innovation in critical systems to support our rapid growth and enhance our product offe...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $150K *

Pioneer your career by leading nuclear engineering initiatives, ensuring safety and compliance across multidisciplinary teams. Leverage your expertise in Small Modular Reactor designs and criticality...

Oak Ridge, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Join a cutting-edge team as a Senior Recruiter, responsible for sourcing and hiring top-tier quantitative researchers and data scientists to fuel innovative AI-driven investment strategies, enhancing...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $200K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geochemistry by providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and enhancing client relationships across North America in mining and environmental projects...

Denver, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.