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.
Lead Platform Engineer/Architect - HPC, Kubernetes
$150K - $180K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic infrastructure team managing Kubernetes platforms across multiple clouds. You'll develop systems that safeguard GPU resources, ensuring optimal performance and...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of financial management in R&D. Drive project budgets, forecasts, and insights while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure financial efficiency and...
2 days ago
Senior Generative AI Python Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Unlock innovation by designing backend services in Python and enhancing AI-powered search solutions. Collaborate in agile teams to create impactful enterprise search products while mentoring peers and...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $270K *
Unlock potential by designing and deploying scalable AI systems that transform healthcare workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges and drive measurable o...
2 weeks ago
SENIOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ANALYST
$87K - $135K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Knowledge Management program that enhances IT support services, fosters collaboration, and drives efficiency for a large-scale enterprise environment. Make a...
3 days ago
Fireworks AI - AI Field Engineer - Enterprise
$176K - $224K *
Engage with enterprise clients to transform complex GenAI challenges into scalable production systems. Leverage hands-on engineering and executive presence to drive technical discovery, build POCs, an...
1 week ago
Lead .NET Engineer with AI tools
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of enterprise applications using C# and .NET, driving modern software practices, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement secur...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Audit (Full Stack)
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative, AI-powered financial audit solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design agent-driven experiences and own complex onboarding workflows for major...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $90K *
Analyze and deliver data management solutions to support public health research, utilizing advanced statistical software and collaborating with project leaders to enhance data quality and reporting fo...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Elevate your career by designing and building robust distributed systems. Lead architectural decisions, ensure reliability, and mentor engineers while tackling complex challenges in regulated environm...
2 weeks ago
Senior AI Software Engineer, Agentic Systems & Data Fabric
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by joining a cross-functional team to design and implement scalable AI workflows on a multi-cloud data platform, ensuring secure data governance and integration for enterprise applica...
2 weeks ago
Senior Motion Planning Engineer - Safety-Layer
$172K - $229K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced motion planning algorithms for autonomous vehicles, ensuring safety and performance through rigorous design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration in dynam...
6 days ago
Application Engineer - Virtual Extender
$95K - $115K *
Innovate your career by developing cutting-edge virtual embedded control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and validate virtual electronic control units, enhancing automotive...
4 days ago
Staff Machine Learning Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Lead the development and optimization of Large Language Models and Mixture of Experts. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance AI capabilities while mentoring junior engineers to drive innovation an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Site Reliability Engineer
$158K - $234K *
Develop and enhance infrastructure and tools to empower developers in delivering scalable, secure, and reliable software. Collaborate across teams to improve system reliability, automate processes, an...
2 weeks ago
Senior Site Reliability Engineer
$135K - $201K *
Innovate your career by enhancing system reliability and developer tools. Collaborate across teams to build scalable infrastructure and automate processes, ensuring a seamless developer experience whi...
2 weeks ago
$163K - $218K *
Shape the future of information security by maintaining and advancing our ISMS while ensuring ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. Drive collaborations across teams to build effective processes and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Analytical Science & Technology
$140K - $155K *
Pioneer your career in cell therapy innovation by leading method transfers and validations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and drive quality in late-stage clinical develo...
1 week ago
Senior Site Reliability Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Provide your expertise to enhance system reliability and performance. You'll define service level objectives, build observability, and lead incident response, ensuring our platform meets high availabi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Research Data Scientist - Data Quality
$90K *
Transform complex health data into trusted, research-ready assets by developing scalable data quality frameworks and automated processes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance data integ...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Reimagine your career as a Solutions Engineer, collaborating with Sales to craft tailored product demonstrations addressing aviation sector challenges, while influencing product development through cu...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Full Stack Engineer(React and GO)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative cloud-native applications using Golang and React. Optimize backend services and create user-friendly web applications while tackling complex engine...
Today
Full Stack Engineer(React and GO)
$110K - $130K *
Drive the development of innovative cloud-native applications, leveraging your expertise in Golang and React to create scalable backend services and user-friendly web applications that enhance enterpr...
Today
Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Maintenance Instructor / Technical Leader I
$115K - $130K *
Deliver high-quality training for I&C technicians, ensuring comprehension and performance tracking. Collaborate with teams to enhance training materials and support continuous improvement in a virtual...
2 weeks ago
Staff Product Manager, AI Applications
$150K - $180K *
Take ownership of the product strategy for AI applications, defining the roadmap and driving profitability. Collaborate cross-functionally to build and launch innovative products that enhance user exp...
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.