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.
Member of Technical Staff, Research
$125K - $150K *
Transform scientific research with innovative AI methods. Collaborate across teams to design, test, and implement state-of-the-art models that advance academic discovery and impact the future of scien...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Engineer– ERCOT Modeling Team
$110K - $130K *
Champion the future of energy by leading a team of power system engineers. Oversee client projects, drive business development, and enhance capabilities within the organization while ensuring high-qua...
4 weeks ago
$117K - $146K *
Elevate technical execution across utility-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery. Lead project governance, interface with stakeholders, and drive continuous i...
1 week ago
$66K - $128K *
Unlock your potential as you design and implement software for spacecraft simulators, collaborating with engineers to create cutting-edge solutions in the space industry. This entry-level role offers...
3 weeks ago
$250K - $300K *
Join a team that's shaping the brand and product experience. You'll create visually compelling designs, develop marketing materials, and collaborate with engineers to enhance our product in a fast-pac...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
$135K - $175K *
Drive criticality safety evaluations and develop safety programs for innovative nuclear fuel recycling. Collaborate with a dynamic team to ensure compliance and enhance safety measures in a fast-paced...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Mission Systems
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Federal & Regulated Infrastructure
$215K - $315K *
Lead the charge in building secure, compliant infrastructure for our DaaS platform. Drive engineering excellence while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet the needs of regulated customer...
3 days ago
Associate Staff Engineer - INFOR M3 Technical Consultant
$90K - $110K *
Contribute to seamless enterprise integrations by designing and developing Infor M3 solutions. Leverage your expertise in Infor OS, ION, and APIs to enhance data exchange across applications and suppo...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Help us drive engineering coordination across multiple capital projects, ensuring timely execution and alignment with project priorities. This role requires strong organizational skills and the abilit...
2 weeks ago
$139K - $174K *
Engineer impactful electrical systems by leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate to foster innovation and quality in complex building designs, d...
Reposted 1 week ago
Data & Artificial Intelligence Research Engineer, L4
$182K - $210K *
Transform the future of materials science by developing cutting-edge machine learning models. Collaborate across teams to enhance AI capabilities, improve interpretability, and drive innovation in mat...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to tackle end-to-end computer vision challenges, ensuring reliable performance in real-world conditions. You'll optimize models and systems for vehicle detection, tracking, and ana...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform freight movement data into insights by developing and maintaining robust data pipelines using Python, SQL, and AWS services. Collaborate across teams to drive innovations in analytics and ma...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $165K *
Unlock potential by leading hydro turbine design and engineering projects, optimizing asset performance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enh...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (Canada)
$100K - $120K *
Lead innovative electrical engineering design for cutting-edge data centres, overseeing all stages from concept to execution while ensuring compliance with industry standards and practices for complex...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Electrical and Controls Engineer
$120K - $170K *
Manage technical design leadership for industrial projects, coordinating PLC/DCS, HMI, and motion control systems. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality project outcomes while supporting clie...
2 weeks ago
Security Research Engineer, AI Safety and Security Engineering
$224K - $431K *
Advance security research at a high bar, validating vulnerabilities and creating reliable fixes while shaping rigorous engineering standards for critical AI Safety & Security initiatives...
Reposted 2 days ago
Mechanical and Design Engineer
$93K - $137K *
Innovate across capital projects and chemical operations, delivering practical mechanical engineering solutions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective project execution a...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative electrical engineering solutions for complex industrial projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams from concept to construction, ensuring quality and client satisfaction while fostering b...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Monetization Engineering
$223K - $317K *
Drive the evolution of a robust Fulfillment platform, shaping architecture and strategy while mentoring teams. Lead modernization efforts to enhance scalability, reliability, and performance, ensuring...
3 days ago
$78K - $127K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of environmental infrastructure by designing innovative process mechanical systems for water and wastewater treatment projects across diverse industries...
4 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - AI Test Automation
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by developing AI-driven test automation solutions for airline APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing workflows and ensure high-quality software delivery i...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive field engineering excellence by installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting cutting-edge hardware systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance product design and ensure reliable operations in dyn...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Agentic Engineering Governance, Open Source
$153K - $166K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI governance in software development. As a Senior Engineer, you'll design policies and tools that ensure safe, effective use of AI coding agents, empowering d...
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.