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.
$95K - $115K *
Build robust software solutions by developing application and test code, while steering implementation decisions in a collaborative Agile environment. Contribute to complex architectures using modern...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance for critical defense projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to implement best practices and drive data-driven improv...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the lifecycle sustainment of hypersonic weapons systems, ensuring operational readiness and technical integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align engineering solutions with fl...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer, Mechanical Innovation
$130K - $155K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions by translating architectural concepts into practical designs. Collaborate across engineering disciplines while leading HVAC standards and ensuring effective ex...
Reposted 1 week ago
$133K - $146K *
Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...
Yesterday
Civil / Geotechnical Engineer - Environmental
$63K - $111K *
Unlock potential by joining a collaborative team focused on geotechnical and environmental engineering projects, driving innovative designs, investigations, and solutions to support sustainable constr...
3 weeks ago
$83K - $155K *
Explore a dynamic role combining application engineering with hands-on field support. Collaborate with customers and teams to troubleshoot and optimize solutions, ensuring successful installations and...
1 week ago
$112K - $196K *
Drive innovation in software engineering by developing cutting-edge cyber tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance national defense capabilities while advancing your career in a fast-paced en...
Yesterday
$131K - $205K *
Engage in the design and evaluation of electric power generation projects. Provide technical support and owner’s engineering services, focusing on thermal power systems. Collaborate on project develop...
2 weeks ago
Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Join a team that's modernizing nuclear power plants with cutting-edge control technologies. Lead and support diverse projects, ensuring effective execution and client satisfaction while collaborating...
1 week ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Join a dynamic team influencing nuclear power systems design. Contribute to modification packages, technical specifications, and engineering analyses to enhance operations and lead projects, ensuring...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $200K *
Partner with us to develop groundbreaking simulation products, focusing on AI and robotics. Engage with customers to shape product roadmaps, create prototypes, and enhance integration within the simul...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Engage in a dynamic role overseeing large projects and teams, ensuring successful delivery through effective stakeholder coordination and project management. Contribute to innovative power delivery so...
4 days ago
$87K - $135K *
Drive your career forward by leading systems engineering for a cloud-based enterprise system. Engage in architecture development, integration, and modernization efforts while ensuring security and ope...
6 days ago
Systems Engineer - Research Infrastructure & Lab Platforms - Government Customer
$120K - $140K *
Unlock potential by architecting and enhancing next-gen research platforms, driving automation and reliability to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools. Collaborate in a dynamic environment brid...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Engineer, Distributed Control Systems
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of industrial control systems by leading the development and implementation of sophisticated electrical and control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project...
3 weeks ago
Director of Engineering- Integrated Sensor Team
$150K - $180K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, and scale integrated hardware and software systems, ensuring reliability, quality, and operational effectiveness in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$131K - $205K *
Shape the future of electric power projects by providing expert development support, technical evaluations, and engineering design reviews. Collaborate with clients to optimize project outcomes while...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of AI systems by building robust data pipelines and APIs. Collaborate with Product to refine specifications and enhance user experience, ensuring high-quality delivery and continu...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineering Consultant 2 - Nuclear
$145K - $222K *
Lead and mentor a team in tackling complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery and client satisfaction while coordinating multi-discipline efforts in the nuclear power sector...
1 week ago
$185K - $260K *
Join us in shaping the future of our AI infrastructure! Leverage your expertise to build and scale our cloud systems, ensuring reliability and security as we meet the demands of enterprise clients and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovative structural design solutions for utility projects, ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced environmen...
1 week ago
$93K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...
2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Grow expertise in advanced BAS applications while mentoring peers, troubleshooting complex systems, and supporting projects throughout their lifecycle to drive success and foster innovation in buildin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Empower progress at the forefront of semiconductor technology by managing process transfers and product qualifications with cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional yield and reliability standards...
3 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.