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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$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing pharmacy operations with AI. As a Software Engineer, you'll independently ship impactful features and fixes, collaborating closely with experienced engineers in a fa...

Orlando, FLRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$83K - $95K *

Engineer secure enterprise infrastructure by designing, implementing, and maintaining robust security measures across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards an...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $145K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to design and develop complex enterprise applications, ensuring high-quality delivery and technical excellence while mentoring developers and driving modernization effo...

Sterling, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Elevate the design and development of a robust replication engine for large-scale data systems, focusing on high-performance, secure, and resilient asynchronous replication capabilities to ensure reli...

North Carolina, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $188K *

Oversee the local radiation safety program, ensuring compliance with regulations. Mentor staff, manage resources, and represent the organization in communication with regulators. Drive continuous impr...

Philadelphia, PARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$230K - $275K *

Lead the charge in vulnerability research and exploitation techniques, transforming real-world threats into automated solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance security measures and validate defens...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $146K *

Join us to drive growth in the Aerospace and Defense sector by developing sales strategies, providing technical expertise, and building strong customer relationships that enhance profitability and mar...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $139K *

Lead the design and analysis of Nuclear Steam Supply System piping, ensuring compliance with ASME BPVC standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop technical specifications and innova...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$155K - $165K *

Unlock potential by leading HR initiatives, providing expert guidance, and managing project operations. Collaborate with teams to enhance workforce strategies and ensure compliance while driving organ...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of ASIC physical design, leading complex SoC implementations, optimizing performance, and ensuring design integrity through collaboration and innovative methodolog...

Irvine, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading complex engineering initiatives across Microsoft 365 collaboration services, ensuring secure, reliable solutions while mentoring engineers and enhancing platform health thr...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$180K - $235K *

Lead advanced R&D initiatives for Solid Rocket Motor technologies, driving feasibility studies, design, and testing. Provide technical leadership across programs and serve as the primary interface for...

Huntsville, ALRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $130K *

Champion innovative electrical engineering solutions while leading project teams in the design and optimization of power systems. Collaborate with clients across diverse sectors, ensuring technical ex...

Rm Of Sherwood, SKRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$224K - $431K *

Make your mark at the forefront of data-center power management by architecting innovative software solutions that optimize performance and energy efficiency for next-generation processors...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Design and implement electrical systems for large-scale data centers. Collaborate with global teams to ensure compliance with industry standards while delivering innovative solutions for high-profile...

Arlington, VARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Make your mark at a leading firm by designing electrical systems for mission-critical facilities. Collaborate globally on high-profile projects while developing your expertise in data center electrica...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Develop innovative electrical designs for mission-critical facilities, collaborating with global teams on high-profile projects. This hands-on role offers growth opportunities and the flexibility of r...

Los Angeles, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $150K *

Lead project portfolios from inception to completion, managing teams and client relationships. Drive financial outcomes and cultivate repeat business while ensuring project success in land development...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$126K *

Transform the future of aerospace by leveraging your expertise in aerodynamics for spacecraft entry analyses, utilizing advanced CFD tools, and collaborating with a dynamic team to drive innovative so...

Houston, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K *

Drive innovation by applying advanced aerodynamics knowledge to spacecraft entry analyses. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance performance across various flight regimes, utilizing cutting-edge...

Houston, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $130K *

Drive the design and analysis of transportation structures, ensuring compliance with AASHTO standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on projects across Colorado and Arizona...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $175K *

Lead and optimize project management efforts, ensuring safety and efficiency while fostering strong relationships with clients and teams. Drive strategic improvements and mentor diverse teams to achie...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

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

$125K - $175K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading diverse teams, ensuring safety, and driving effective communication. Leverage your expertise in construction management to enhance processes and foster strong clien...

Dallas, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and quality assurance of telecom infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions for underground conduit sys...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Drive the implementation and support of automation and orchestration platforms, collaborating with technology teams to enhance processes and develop reusable web applications, ensuring high availabili...

Vienna, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.