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.
Staff Engineering Laboratory Manager
$184K - $231K *
Advance your career by managing engineering laboratories that support aerospace innovation. Oversee lab operations, coordinate teams, and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment focused...
4 weeks ago
$83K - $91K *
Oversee and innovate engineering solutions for site development projects. Lead dynamic teams in analysis, design, and client presentations, while mentoring staff to achieve excellence and maintain reg...
Reposted yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Empower innovation as you tackle complex engineering challenges, driving the development of next-gen industrial technologies. Collaborate across the full lifecycle, from R&D to commercial deployment...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's pioneering compliance as a product problem, building automated controls and technical infrastructure to ensure regulatory adherence while collaborating with engineering and security...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform compliance into a scalable product by designing automated controls and collaborating with engineering teams. Drive technical solutions for security frameworks and regulatory requirements, en...
1 week ago
Senior Training Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of Air Force training systems by providing expert systems engineering support across the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness while collaborating with d...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative video processing solutions and infrastructure. Collaborate closely with founders and team members to drive customer-centric product improvements in a fast-pac...
3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Robotics Hardware Engineering
$140K - $170K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing robotics! As an Electrical Engineer, you'll tackle complex design challenges to create cutting-edge robotic solutions, ensuring high safety and quality standards thr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$115K - $155K *
Lead the charge in process engineering for fuel projects, optimizing performance and safety while collaborating with contractors and teams to ensure operational excellence and compliance with industry...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $155K *
Shape the future of fuel processing by leading engineering initiatives, optimizing performance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in a dynamic in...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Robotics Hardware Engineering
$130K - $155K *
Join a team dedicated to pioneering innovative electrical engineering solutions for advanced robotics, addressing complex design challenges while ensuring high safety and quality. Collaborate in every...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$85K - $128K *
Shape operational excellence by leading capital projects and reliability initiatives in a chemical manufacturing environment. Collaborate across teams to enhance equipment performance, safety, and eff...
6 days ago
Mechatronics/Robotics Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Design and implement cutting-edge mechatronic systems, collaborating across teams to develop, test, and troubleshoot groundbreaking prototypes that enhance automation and precision in diverse applicat...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$88K - $105K *
Engage in hands-on mechanical engineering to deploy innovative systems in maritime environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot mechanical payloads, ensuring ope...
6 days ago
Mechanical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of engineering and maritime operations, integrating mechanical systems into autonomous vessels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and enha...
6 days ago
$116K - $182K *
Join us in developing innovative RF systems, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and testing prototypes in lab and real-world environments to advance communication and sensing capabilities...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior / Engineer II, AI Lab Research Engineer
$148K - $240K *
Shape the future of AI-driven scientific discovery by designing advanced models that tackle complex challenges and enhance multi-step reasoning across various domains...
Reposted 4 days ago
$90K - $100K *
Analyze program requirements and performance metrics, ensuring effective project evaluation and data management while adhering to government processes and timelines. Join a team focused on optimizing...
4 weeks ago
Materials Research and Development Engineer
$92K - $174K *
Help us advance materials research by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing prototypes for extreme environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challeng...
2 weeks ago
Materials Research and Development Engineer
$92K - $174K *
Engage in cutting-edge materials research and development, applying engineering principles to solve complex challenges for military and government clients. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to...
2 weeks ago
$142K - $161K *
Join our team to support the architecture and development of embedded systems for autonomous vehicles, enhancing integration between hardware and software in a hands-on production environment. Make an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$74K - $102K *
Elevate innovation by developing and optimizing surface-modified membranes for advanced filtration applications in semiconductor manufacturing, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive produ...
3 weeks ago
$70K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional technical support and solutions. Collaborate with customers and internal teams to drive product knowledge and sales effectiveness while managing...
Yesterday
Research Engineer - RL Infrastructure & Agent Environments
$120K - $145K *
Develop robust AI evaluation environments for long-horizon workflows, addressing engineering and research challenges to enhance agent training and assessment, fostering innovation within complex syste...
Reposted 1 week ago
$134K - $201K *
Lead the charge in designing and delivering complex mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency while mentoring junior engineers and managing multidis...
4 days 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.