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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$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

$110K - $140K *

Drive spacecraft thermal design and analysis by leveraging CREO CAD and Ansys Simulation expertise. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to develop effective thermal management solutions, ensuri...

Denver, CORemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Champion high-quality data integration and analytical platforms to drive business insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to design scalable models, ensuring data reliability and self-service capabili...

CanadaRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$175K - $190K *

Explore strategic leadership in mechanical engineering, guiding a team of experts to innovate and deliver top-tier data center solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape engineering standards...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Empower your career by leading cross-functional initiatives that define and execute product strategies. Cultivate senior talent while driving clarity in vision and achieving impactful results across d...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Drive the design and development of robotics middleware and frameworks on embedded Linux. Engage in cross-functional collaboration, technical design, and system-level troubleshooting to enhance softwa...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $150K *

Empower your career by leading and scaling a multidisciplinary engineering team in full-stack and data engineering. Drive impact through collaboration and technical excellence, ensuring quality and in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Transform complex data into actionable insights by owning end-to-end data initiatives. Design scalable pipelines and models that enhance product features and analytics, ensuring data quality and relia...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Unlock potential by investigating and prioritizing vulnerabilities across enterprise systems, driving remediation, and enhancing security capabilities through automation and AI integration...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $140K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of project analytics. Utilize your expertise in budgeting, cost forecasting, and collaboration to ensure project financial integrity and support Project Managers i...

Los Angeles, CARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in evolving our AI systems by developing innovative agentic software tools, ensuring performance and reliability while collaborating with AI agents to transform code delivery into a se...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in transforming enterprise technology through Oracle Fusion Cloud, guiding technical strategy, integration, and migration efforts. Collaborate across teams to deliver scalable, secure...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$117K - $156K *

Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$115K - $140K *

Drive GRC initiatives by building and testing security controls, assessing risks, and automating evidence collection. Collaborate with teams to enhance compliance and support audits while ensuring eff...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $140K *

Transform the tech landscape by creating innovative solutions as a Full Stack Engineer. Join a dynamic team, shaping product features that enhance lives while driving best practices in a fast-paced st...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$165K - $185K *

Innovate your career by driving the physical electrical design of high-voltage substations and utility-scale facilities while collaborating with diverse teams to deliver quality engineering solutions...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $117K *

Unlock potential by leading the design, deployment, and support of Unified Communications platforms, ensuring optimal performance and compliance while collaborating with vendors and teams to manage la...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $110K *

Transform battery design through advanced structural analysis and optimization. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure quality and efficiency in product development while meeting deadlines and e...

Warren, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$91K - $146K *

Shape the future of turbine automation in a dynamic team, driving tailored solutions while ensuring project quality, safety standards, and customer engagement. Leverage your expertise to transform des...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by designing and maintaining automation workflows across IT systems and SaaS platforms. Collaborate with teams to develop integrations and optimize processes, enhancing operational ef...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$172K - $229K *

Lead the charge in designing and validating complex systems for autonomous vehicle performance, ensuring seamless integration between software, operations, and customer interfaces to support the launc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$122K - $227K *

Drive innovative solutions in AI-enabled mission applications and autonomy, leading software-intensive programs and integrating advanced technologies across multidisciplinary teams to enhance command...

New Jersey, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Champion full-chip physical verification efforts, driving quality and accountability while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure successful tapeout readiness and clean IP delivery...

San Jose, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive full-chip physical verification efforts, ensuring quality and readiness for tapeout. Collaborate cross-functionally to influence design strategies and deliver clean IP, while leading execution p...

Irvine, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information 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.