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.
Electrical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$95K - $115K *
Transform your career by deploying cutting-edge electrical systems in maritime environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot technologies, ensuring operational su...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer - Forward Deployed
$95K - $115K *
Transform maritime technology by deploying innovative electrical systems in real-world environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and troubleshoot complex systems, ensuring mis...
1 week ago
$116K - $175K *
Elevate your career by applying advanced engineering techniques to design and coordinate mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency while collaborati...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $158K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs for energy and infrastructure projects. Lead project segments, ensuring compliance and efficiency while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-p...
2 weeks ago
$116K - $175K *
Grow your career with us to lead mechanical systems design for energy and infrastructure projects. Collaborate across teams, solve complex challenges, and deliver high-performance, reliable systems wh...
3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$150K - $180K *
Unlock the potential of AI models by innovating efficiency techniques for Large Language Models, supporting cutting-edge improvements in inference performance and resource optimization across diverse...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in optimizing large language model inference efficiency, developing breakthrough techniques and collaborating with a world-class team to enhance model performance while ensuring produc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$160K - $190K *
Manage the development and deployment of innovative techniques to optimize LLM inference efficiency, driving breakthroughs in model execution and enhancing performance without sacrificing quality in a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Research Engineer, Model Efficiency
$130K - $160K *
Advance your career by optimizing Large Language Model inference efficiency. Join a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions across model architecture and software/hardware co-design to revolution...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $125K *
Optimize product development through cross-functional collaboration, research, and customer insights. Lead roadmap prioritization, define user experiences, and ensure quality outcomes while leveraging...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$92K - $119K *
Join our team as we apply innovative engineering methods to design, analyze, and enhance mechanical systems while managing projects effectively under general supervision. Your expertise will drive imp...
4 weeks ago
$101K - $152K *
Unlock potential by applying fundamental engineering principles to design and support mechanical systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on HVAC and energy system projects, ensuring complian...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $152K *
Advance mechanical engineering design and analysis for energy projects, ensuring compliance and performance. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative HVAC and energy systems, while managing projec...
3 weeks ago
$103K - $132K *
Lead design and analysis efforts as a Mechanical Engineer, applying engineering principles to develop, evaluate, and improve systems and products while managing projects under general supervision...
4 weeks ago
$78K - $93K *
Join a team that empowers engineering excellence by managing small-scale projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet quality standards, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget w...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Transform structural designs for varied projects, ensuring innovative solutions and excellence from concept to construction in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $175K *
Optimize project delivery by managing Gantt charts for multiple aerospace programs. Collaborate with engineers and leadership to ensure schedules align with critical paths, risks, and resource availab...
1 week ago
$90K - $154K *
Optimize innovation by developing cutting-edge equipment and processes in a hands-on R&D environment, collaborating across disciplines to enhance manufacturing capabilities and ensure data observabili...
Reposted 6 days ago
Project Engineering Professional
$85K - $100K *
Transform capital projects by leading execution from concept to closeout, ensuring safety, budget adherence, and operational efficiency. Drive process improvements and collaborate cross-functionally t...
1 week ago
Project Engineering Professional
$95K - $115K *
Pioneer process improvements and lead capital projects, ensuring timely delivery and operational excellence. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency and quality while managing project lifecycle...
1 week ago
Research Engineer - Benchmarks
$210K - $224K *
Pioneer independent benchmarks of data providers, ensuring accuracy and transparency. Create and maintain datasets, develop automated systems, and publish results weekly, influencing provider selectio...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer - Benchmarks
$250K - $290K *
Engineer independent benchmarks for data providers, publishing weekly results that impact provider selection, while developing methodologies and automated systems to ensure integrity and accuracy in e...
3 weeks ago
$155K - $205K *
Shape the future of robotics by designing efficient systems infrastructure for AI-driven applications, optimizing low-latency pipelines, and collaborating across teams to enhance performance from edge...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$116K - $175K *
Empower your career by leading advanced electrical engineering designs for energy and infrastructure projects. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative, code-compliant solutions that enhan...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by transforming sensor data into actionable insights. Drive the deployment of deep-learning models, design multimodal UIs, and enhance our distributed perception system for superior o...
Reposted 3 weeks 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.