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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$152K - $287K *

Join a dynamic team of engineers to design and develop cutting-edge SoC kernel drivers and embedded software, collaborating closely with hardware experts to shape innovative ARM platform solutions for...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Transform the software development landscape by defining a cohesive end-to-end experience, integrating planning to verification workflows across teams. Lead product strategy and execution, influencing...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $165K *

Unlock compliance excellence by leading product safety initiatives across engineering and manufacturing. Ensure adherence to critical standards for data center and IT equipment, driving quality and pe...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$209K - $250K *

Engineer scalable backend services and APIs to enhance our global marketplace. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, utilizing modern technologies like Go, Python, and Redis to deliver high-perform...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and implementing hybrid networks across AWS, OCI, and on-premises environments, ensuring secure connectivity and compliance while troubleshooting complex issues in a f...

Baltimore, MDRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $322K *

Lead the charge in optimizing infrastructure programs that power our cutting-edge EDA ecosystem. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and strategic planning, driving op...

Santa Clara, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative power systems for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects. Conduct critical electrical studies, collaborate with teams, and ensure safe grid connections while advancing clean ener...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$170K - $200K *

Lead the charge in establishing a new Water/Wastewater practice across California, driving strategic growth, client relationships, and project oversight while mentoring a multidisciplinary team to del...

San Jose, CARemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$170K - $200K *

Transform the future of water/wastewater engineering by leading practice growth, client development, and strategic initiatives across California. Leverage your expertise to establish a trusted enginee...

Sacramento, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$170K - $200K *

Grow your career with a leadership role in expanding a Water/Wastewater practice. Drive strategic development, client relationships, and project oversight while leveraging your expertise to establish...

San Francisco, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence by connecting global teams, driving quality initiatives, and managing field projects. This role offers hands-on experience in project coordin...

Memphis, TNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Innovate with us to transform manual workflows into efficient AI-driven solutions. As a Staff Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll collaborate closely with teams to streamline processes, enhancing produc...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $118K *

Advance the design of innovative mechanical systems by leading project teams in 3D modeling, troubleshooting, and creating detailed engineering drawings. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary experts to...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$77K - $118K *

Unlock your potential as a mechanical design leader driving innovative solutions in a dynamic engineering environment, collaborating with multi-disciplined teams on complex mechanical designs and 3D m...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's leading power plant projects, focusing on mechanical design and execution. This role offers flexibility and the chance to impact high-stakes projects across the power sector while c...

Greenville, SCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$177K - $283K *

Lead the charge in developing next-gen energy systems, focusing on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Drive technical strategy and system architecture from concept to deployment, shaping a sustainab...

Westlake Village, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $155K *

Join our dynamic team as a Senior Solutions Engineer, where you'll leverage your technical expertise to drive pre-sales activities, engage with clients, and deliver tailored solutions that enhance bus...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $356K *

Drive innovation by developing and optimizing machine learning models for LiDAR and camera perception, ensuring seamless integration into autonomous driving solutions while collaborating with cross-fu...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join us to elevate brand experiences through innovative design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive projects from concept to delivery, and leverage AI tools to enhance creativity in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining CRM platforms by architecting innovative, AI-driven solutions. This high-impact role requires visionary leadership to optimize data processing and enhance user experience...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$137K - $160K *

Engineer secure and resilient multi-cloud environments while collaborating with product teams. Adapt designs to support rapid change in a late-stage startup, ensuring safety and performance in AI-driv...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $190K *

Transform the AI landscape by architecting and building the Vector Store GenAI Platform, enhancing document intelligence and retrieval for clinical applications. Collaborate with cross-functional team...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team as a Design Project Manager, overseeing multidisciplinary design for complex data center projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget compliance, and quality standards in a fast-pace...

CanadaRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$161K - $299K *

Optimize critical materials supply chains by collaborating across teams to identify risks, develop new sources, and enhance resilience. Drive initiatives to improve supplier capabilities and mitigate...

Grand Prairie, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by providing expert radar engineering support for FAA modernization, enhancing technical solutions and ensuring effective integration and deployment within the National Airspace Syste...

Washington, DCRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.