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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$150K - $200K *

Lead the charge in hydrogeology by providing technical expertise, mentoring staff, and enhancing client relationships. Drive complex projects in mine water management and groundwater analysis across N...

Denver, CORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$225K - $281K *

Lead detection and response strategy, building systems and automations to enhance security. Collaborate with teams to set standards, mentor engineers, and manage complex incidents, ensuring effective...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving software quality through innovative automation frameworks. As a key player, you'll lead QA efforts, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality, reliable software in an Agile...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$300K - $500K+*

Join a dynamic team to design and implement cutting-edge Machine Learning solutions that enhance content discovery and promotion strategies, driving member engagement and optimizing generated assets f...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's redefining transactions by owning the architecture, delivery, and roadmap of critical systems. Lead an engineering team while ensuring reliable software delivery, AI integration, an...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$106K - $198K *

Lead the charge in developing mission-critical Command & Control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and create innovative architectures that meet diverse...

Colorado, USRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Solve security challenges by owning and enhancing our security program. Lead CorpSec, SecOps, and compliance efforts while building a robust security culture in a fast-paced, remote environment...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate quality assurance by enhancing the Quality Management System for simulation products. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compliance, drive improvements, and maintain customer satisfactio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$210K - $273K *

Drive the evolution of a robust online ML inference platform, enhancing model deployment, performance, and safety in high-traffic environments by collaborating with cross-functional teams and spearhea...

Washington, DCRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to providing exceptional post-sales technical support for federal clients. You'll troubleshoot complex systems, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure seamless ope...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $170K *

Deliver exceptional project management for complex HVAC installations, ensuring timely execution and high-quality standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive project success and resolve technica...

New York, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $193K *

Join a team that's redefining software engineering excellence by leading high-performing teams in building and modernizing enterprise applications. Drive technical strategy, foster innovation, and ens...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in strategic growth and relationship development for a portfolio of EPE clients. Drive business development, uncover opportunities, and enhance client engagement to expand EPE’s footpr...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$184K - $356K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous systems by designing and deploying innovative AI models. Collaborate across functions to enhance vehicle capabilities and ensure safety in real-worl...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Innovate and build across multiple surfaces, enhancing developer tools and agent products. Collaborate closely with a small team to deliver high-quality software solutions that drive enterprise adopti...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$102K - $170K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative data engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define scalable architectures and drive AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterpr...

New Brunswick, NJRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$102K - $170K *

Unlock innovative data solutions by leading integration strategies and architectural decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure data and AI solutions while driving...

New Brunswick, NJRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by bridging engineering and user needs through exceptional technical documentation. This role requires translating complex information into clear, actionable content for training mate...

New Jersey, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform mission-critical applications by designing and developing scalable solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance while leveraging cloud infrastruct...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$137K - $171K *

Engineer cutting-edge mechanical cooling and hydraulic systems for modular AI data centers. Drive design, integration, and commissioning of innovative solutions, ensuring efficiency and reliability ac...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Empower data-driven decisions by building scalable data models and analytics solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform raw data into actionable insights, ensuring high-quality re...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Solve complex challenges as a Senior SCADA Engineer, designing intuitive automation graphics for advanced control systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance project outcomes and mentor junior...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $135K *

Architect a unified operational dashboard connecting diverse alert systems to streamline monitoring and enhance triage efficiency, ensuring critical alerts are prioritized and effectively routed...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$196K - $309K *

Lead the design and implementation of advanced knowledge graph solutions, enhancing personal work contexts and integrations across teams, while delivering scalable, low-latency APIs. Mentor engineers...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$164K - $200K *

Shape the future of software integration by leading a team to develop a robust ERP connector framework, ensuring data integrity and seamless communication between systems while driving architectural d...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.