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 Software Engineer, Public Sector
$180K - $200K *
Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...
Yesterday
$85K - $117K *
Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Secure Access
$140K - $170K *
Advance your career by leading a dynamic team in developing secure access solutions. Drive technical direction, manage project delivery, and mentor engineers while balancing customer reliability with...
1 week ago
INGENYX - Regulatory Affairs Specialist
$87K - $131K *
Optimize global regulatory activities for medical devices, ensuring compliance in labeling, UDI, and product data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product registrations and maintain...
6 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Join our team to enhance security and automation in delivery pipelines, driving consistent deployments and compliance through modern DevSecOps practices alongside skilled professionals...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Program Dev/QC
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by managing diverse EV projects, ensuring successful delivery through collaboration, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement. Drive project excellence while naviga...
2 weeks ago
Information Extraction Engineer
$130K - $160K *
Join our analytics team to extract structured facts from complex documents, ensuring traceability and accuracy. Contribute to a trusted system that supports human review, operating within a secure env...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Software Engineer, GPU Fleet Telemetry
$152K - $287K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge agent-side systems for GPU health monitoring, telemetry, and observability, while enhancing the reliability of NVIDIA's GPU fleet and collaborating across te...
Reposted 2 days ago
Engineering Technical Lead - I&C Embedded Software
$113K - $188K *
Contribute to the development of embedded software for nuclear systems. Lead a team ensuring design compliance, execute project plans, and enhance operational efficiency. Drive collaboration across di...
Reposted 1 week ago
$148K - $256K *
Shape the future of data engineering by architecting scalable, cloud-native data platforms on Azure and Databricks. Influence the organization’s data practices to leverage AI-driven insights, driving...
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R&D Leader - GridBeats portfolio
$200K - $310K *
Advance your career by leading R&D initiatives that transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Drive technology differentiation and manage a large team to ensure high-quality project exec...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance the future of energy by conducting power system modeling and analysis for transmission planning, ensuring compliance with NERC standards and supporting renewable resource integration through d...
1 week ago
Field Application Scientist, Pathway & NGS Analysis Software, QDI
$100K - $124K *
Lead the charge in delivering impactful scientific software demonstrations and training. Collaborate with diverse teams to address customer needs and enhance bioinformatics solutions, driving innovati...
1 week ago
Principal Test Design Staff Engineer - Networking
$232K - $368K *
Partner with us to shape innovative production test solutions for complex networking systems. Collaborate across teams to align strategies, enhance capabilities, and drive efficiency in testing proces...
5 days ago
Reinforcement Learning Engineer
$176K - $242K *
Join a team that's advancing AI in cybersecurity by building innovative reinforcement learning environments. You'll design infrastructure to transform vulnerability research into scalable training sol...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Engineer robust data pipelines that integrate legacy systems with cloud platforms, enabling advanced analytics and AI initiatives. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality data for machine learni...
3 days ago
$140K - $185K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product strategy, manage roadmaps, and enhance customer experiences. Lead product initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals while mentoring j...
1 week ago
Software Engineer II, Engineering
$125K - $145K *
Lead the charge in building impactful software features that enhance educators' management of English Learner programs, taking ownership from design to operation in a full-stack environment utilizing...
Reposted 2 days ago
Software Engineer, AI Systems (United States)
$125K - $150K *
Lead the development and operation of AI reasoning systems to enhance safety and efficiency in critical industries. Engage in multi-step LLM pipelines, ensure precision in product output, and work clo...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Help us drive strategic initiatives within Navy housing programs. You will support the planning and execution of barracks improvements, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance housing conditions, r...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Staff Software Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's innovating robust applications by leveraging your expertise in React and Python/Django. You'll drive technical initiatives, enhance user experiences, and lead high-impact projects t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - AI Agents & Agentic Systems
$120K - $145K *
Engineer innovative AI-driven software solutions by leveraging LLMs and coding harnesses. Collaborate with a focused team to design, build, and maintain autonomous systems that enhance software develo...
Yesterday
Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Ads Creative Effectiveness
$230K - $322K *
Unlock the future of ad creative by architecting advanced generative workflows and editing systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance ad performance while ensuring brand safety and compliance in a f...
2 weeks ago
Lead Software Engineer, Applied AI (Frontend Leading)
$135K - $160K *
Engineer innovative GenAI applications with a focus on creating responsive, accessible frontend solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences through performant UI des...
1 month ago
Lead Software Engineer, Applied AI (Frontend Leading)
$135K - $160K *
Join us to design and implement innovative GenAI applications, focusing on creating intuitive, high-performance frontend interfaces. Collaborate cross-functionally to redefine AI user experiences whil...
1 month 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.