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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1
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$150K - $180K *

Advance your career by leading the design and implementation of agent evaluations, enhancing the performance of AI systems through innovative techniques and team collaboration in a dynamic software en...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Drive complex projects and technical direction as a Senior Software Engineer, enabling scalable infrastructure and impactful product development within a rapidly growing organization...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $169K *

Lead the charge in quality engineering by designing automation frameworks, mentoring teams, and driving innovative testing strategies to ensure high-performing software delivery across multiple Agile...

Atlanta, GARemote

Yesterday

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

$85K - $130K *

Grow and lead complex multidisciplinary projects from initiation to completion. Collaborate with diverse teams and clients to deliver high-quality results while managing budgets, schedules, and relati...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$109K - $164K *

Drive advanced digital forensics and incident response initiatives while mentoring a skilled engineering team. Leverage deep technical knowledge to enhance operational capabilities and ensure exceptio...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$200K - $240K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in mechanical engineering and program management. Leverage your expertise to lead projects from concept to production, ensuring quality and efficiency while colla...

Dallas, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $200K *

Transform user experiences by building and enhancing core communication interfaces. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful features and take ownership of projects from inception...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $140K *

Lead reliability engineering initiatives to enhance asset management strategies, integrating advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize maintenance programs and ensure operational excellence...

RemoteRemote

Today

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

$150K - $180K *

Make your mark at the forefront of cloud engineering, transforming infrastructure through automation, optimizing performance, and enhancing observability for large-scale distributed systems...

Toronto, ONRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $245K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading the design and implementation of scalable systems and APIs. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences while mentoring engineers and driving...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Elevate your career by designing and managing scalable cloud infrastructures. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance reliability and observability while mentoring engineers and optimizing deploymen...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$196K - $210K *

Partner with us to shape the future of semiconductor workforce development by aligning industry needs with educational strategies, fostering partnerships, and leading initiatives that ensure technical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$114K - $190K *

Oversee project management for innovative small modular reactor deployments, ensuring timely delivery, customer satisfaction, and effective risk mitigation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams an...

Wilmington, NCRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$130K - $140K *

Support a dynamic team in developing and optimizing data pipelines, ensuring seamless data processing and delivery to empower federal projects. Drive automation and promote agile methodologies for inn...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Engineer transformative solutions by integrating cutting-edge APIs into enterprise systems. Collaborate closely with clients to deploy production software efficiently while leveraging modern AI tools...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$141K - $224K *

Join a team that's leading field engineering efforts for satellite communications systems. You'll oversee installation, integration, and operational readiness while managing dispersed teams to ensure...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$245K - $344K *

Grow your impact by shaping the advertising experience at the intersection of design and engineering. Lead UX engineering strategy across teams, create high-quality prototypes, and drive product direc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $220K *

Elevate your career by leading AI-driven software delivery transformations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify bottlenecks, design innovative solutions, and enhance product lifecycle...

Atlanta, GARemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Empower a dynamic team of engineers to innovate e-commerce solutions, driving growth through collaboration with product managers and stakeholders while leveraging AI to enhance development processes a...

Houston, TXRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join our team to tackle complex payroll challenges by building intuitive software solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support thousands of businesses in managing their payroll processes...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $230K *

Lead a team that operationalizes advanced AI security solutions for enterprises, ensuring integration and compliance across environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into e...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts for substation projects, ensuring technical direction, quality, and successful delivery. Collaborate with teams to manage complex projects from design throug...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Advance enterprise skills architecture by designing, governing, and evolving frameworks that align workforce capabilities with business needs. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement scalable skill...

Oregon, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$225K - $285K *

Lead the implementation of global PLM/PDM systems, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance supply chain processes and support a Tier 1 ERP buildout, ensuring scalability and efficiency across inte...

San Francisco, CARemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$152K - $287K *

Innovate the future of AI research by engaging with top university labs, driving adoption of advanced technologies, and translating complex insights into impactful outcomes. Collaborate cross-function...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.