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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$81K - $106K *

Transform cultural resources management by leading projects, enhancing team efficiency, and ensuring compliance standards are met while fostering relationships with clients and agencies in the Pacific...

Washington, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$199K - $334K *

Champion the architecture and engineering of agent memory systems, leading the development of context-driven AI agents. Drive innovation and technical direction while collaborating across teams to enh...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Optimize network performance by troubleshooting complex issues, leading projects, and mentoring teams. Collaborate on designs and enhance security while ensuring operational standards and delivering e...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $155K *

Lead the charge in creating cutting-edge embedded software solutions for autonomous mobile robotics. Drive technical excellence, oversee collaborative engineering efforts, and ensure high reliability...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$125K - $150K *

Champion innovative automation solutions in warehouse management. Lead complex integrations and guide engineering teams to enhance material handling processes. Collaborate on the Global Automation Roa...

Nashville, TNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead end-to-end client engagements for complex AI and digital projects, managing multiple implementations while ensuring timely delivery and exceeding client expectations. Collaborate with cross-funct...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a top-tier Sales Engineering team to drive complex cybersecurity solutions. Partner with key stakeholders, leverage your expertise in AI-driven security, and cultivate relationships to redefine e...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$97K - $139K *

Build robust ML infrastructure solutions that power distributed systems for Quora, ensuring high availability and performance at scale. Collaborate with engineers to optimize models, enabling impactfu...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock the potential of AI-driven systems by designing, orchestrating, and deploying innovative workflows across diverse business operations. Collaborate with teams to automate and enhance processes...

Ontario, CARemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$145K - $157K *

Transform space operations by leveraging Kubernetes to deliver resilient solutions. Collaborate within an Agile framework to enhance software deployment, ensuring optimal performance and security for...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining quality assurance through AI-accelerated test automation. You'll build scalable automation suites, integrate quality gates, and collaborate with engineers to enhance test...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by developing innovative cloud-native applications that drive next-gen conversational AI solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable backend services and...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $115K *

Empower IT operations by building and managing internal systems, ensuring productivity and security. As the first hire, you'll shape the IT function, streamline processes, and support the team while c...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$145K - $195K *

Lead transformative substation projects by guiding engineering teams, ensuring quality, and fostering client relationships. Utilize your expertise to develop innovative designs and deliver exceptional...

Mansfield, MARemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$106K - $115K *

Unlock your potential as you contribute to scalable software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance assessment systems. Gain hands-on experience in modern development practice...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

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

$150K - $190K *

Drive innovative detection solutions in a high-security environment, collaborating across teams to enhance security posture and engineering excellence while tackling emerging cyber threats with precis...

Denver, CORemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$132K - $173K *

Architect AI-driven solutions that enhance business processes and decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy scalable applications, ensuring compliance wit...

Kentucky, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$83K - $124K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of CI/CD pipelines, enhancing software delivery and operational stability for enterprise applications while collaborating with cross-functiona...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Engage in hands-on security initiatives across the platform, collaborating with engineering and product teams to identify vulnerabilities, develop security tools, and enhance secure development practi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$105K - $202K *

Engineer robust data platforms by designing scalable pipelines and APIs that support AI-driven healthcare applications, ensuring high performance, security, and operational excellence in a collaborati...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading cross-functional teams to deliver clinical research projects on time and within budget, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client expectations while...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$107K - $195K *

Transform enterprise communications as a Senior VoIP Engineer, leading design, integration, and deployment of collaborative solutions, while driving project execution and mentoring engineers to delive...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Unlock the potential of crypto intelligence by owning in-depth analyses of DPRK and Chinese financial threats, tracing illicit networks, and producing actionable insights for stakeholders across the g...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$81K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team dedicated to providing exceptional support for high-resolution mass spectrometry instruments. Leverage your technical expertise to install, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment whi...

California, USRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $190K *

Shape the future of personalized experiences by leading a high-impact ML team. Drive technical direction, design scalable systems, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver innovative...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.