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.
Technical Application Engineer - Industrial Communications products (MDS and Lentronics)
$89K - $148K *
Drive technical solutions by collaborating with sales teams and customers to enhance industrial communications products. Develop sales strategies, manage customer relationships, and ensure compliance...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Engineering, Data Labs
$252K - $300K *
Unlock potential by leading the technical strategy for Data Labs, guiding engineering teams to innovate AI training solutions, and shaping the future of model evaluation and deployment in a rapidly ev...
4 days ago
Senior Mechanical Designer 2 - Nuclear Power
$85K - $130K *
Tackle diverse mechanical design challenges; lead multi-discipline project teams in creating precise 3D layout drawings and innovative mechanical systems for power plants, while mentoring junior desig...
4 weeks ago
$128K - $187K *
Create robust machine learning systems to transform satellite imagery into reliable data. Collaborate with experts to design scalable solutions, build data pipelines, and develop models that enhance g...
2 weeks ago
Principal Researcher - CMMI Evaluations
$150K - $180K *
Champion innovative healthcare research by leading complex evaluations and business development initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse experts to enhance Medicare and Medicaid services and...
2 weeks ago
$129K - $177K *
Elevate your career by leading technical direction and hands-on development in a dynamic digital health platform. Collaborate with teams to shape product outcomes and drive AI coding practices while i...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel
$120K - $195K *
Drive innovation by developing and maintaining Linux kernel features, collaborating with hardware teams, and contributing to the upstream community. Own projects from definition to deployment while me...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Support clinical studies by assisting teams with tasks like medical monitoring and protocol management. Collaborate across functions and engage with stakeholders to ensure successful trial outcomes wh...
3 weeks ago
Thermal Performance Engineer, Heat Balance - Kiewit Power Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead thermal performance analysis for power plants, modeling cycles, conducting tests, and collaborating with teams to ensure optimal performance and compliance with project requirements. Occasional t...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leveraging AI to optimize operations and enhance product offerings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement impactful LLM-powe...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Transform energy solutions by leveraging AI to optimize operations and products. Collaborate with teams to define success metrics, design LLM-powered features, and enhance customer-facing AI functiona...
Today
Managing Consultant, Safety and Reliability
$126K - $153K *
Transform healthcare safety by leading multi-hospital engagements, applying High Reliability Organization principles, and driving operational improvements to enhance patient care and trust across dive...
Today
Senior Red Team Engineer - Frontier AI Security (Remote US)
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in advanced security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture through hands-on penetration testing and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Mentor...
Reposted 2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower innovation by partnering with data science to build and maintain robust ML pipelines. Drive automation and observability in production systems, ensuring reliable match data at scale while coll...
Yesterday
Principal Cost Engineer - Design to Value
$96K - $192K *
Join a dynamic team to drive cost reduction initiatives and enhance material productivity across global business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to influence design and manufacturing changes, ens...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by engaging customers to develop tailored solutions using open-source technologies and cloud-native architecture. Drive success through collaboration and innovation, bridging engineer...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Consultant, Safety and Reliability
$126K - $153K *
Lead the charge in transforming healthcare safety cultures by applying High Reliability Organization principles, enhancing patient trust, and driving data-driven process improvements across clinical s...
Today
Forward Deployed Engineer - AI Solutions (Gracenote Division)
$120K - $145K *
Drive technical pre-sales and implementation for innovative API and AI products, serving as a key liaison between customers and engineering teams to enhance AI-driven discovery experiences in the medi...
3 weeks ago
Support Engineering Manager - Americas
$120K - $145K *
The Technical Support Engineering Manager will lead a team of Support Engineers and Product Experts to resolve complex technical issues and enhance customer experience. This role involves collaboratin...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer - Microgrid Systems
$87K - $157K *
Engineer innovative microgrid systems, integrating PV, BESS, and distribution assets. Lead detailed electrical designs, ensuring compliance and constructability from concept to construction support. D...
2 weeks ago
Civil Project Manager - Municipal Projects
$95K - $115K *
Transform project management by leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative land development solutions. Ensure project success through effective scope, schedule, and budget management while...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower business strategies as a Data Scientist by analyzing complex data sets, developing predictive models, and collaborating with diverse teams to drive data insights and innovation...
4 weeks ago
Staff Site Reliability Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Drive reliability and scalability as a technical leader in cloud infrastructure, enhancing the performance of AI and manufacturing data systems through collaboration and innovation to meet operational...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$160K - $500K+*
Engage in cutting-edge verification methodologies to drive scalable solutions across blocks and systems, ensuring robust validation at the chip level. Champion verification execution, planning, and cl...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead the modernization of HPC infrastructure, enhancing simulation-driven product development and optimizing engineering productivity across diverse environments and accounts...
1 week 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.