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.
$102K - $202K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative PCB designs for cutting-edge quantum hardware. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate complex requirements into manufacturable solutions, enhancin...
Today
Biomedical Engineer/Clinical Engineer
$90K - $115K *
Lead complex biomedical equipment projects, ensuring effective lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, and technical support to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency in healthcare set...
2 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Generative Video
$125K - $150K *
Innovate cutting-edge video generation systems by optimizing models for efficiency, scalability, and real-time performance. Collaborate at the forefront of ML engineering to transition research into p...
3 weeks ago
Senior Materials Engineer, Dielectrics
$120K - $145K *
Join us to innovate dielectric materials for high-voltage applications in nuclear fusion. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance R&D projects while managing testing campaigns for material...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$129K - $171K *
Lead the design and integration of advanced electrical systems for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, collaborating across disciplines to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards...
5 days ago
Principal Aerospace Engineer - Autonomous System
$115K - $160K *
Transform autonomous systems development by integrating advanced technologies and optimizing performance for unmanned aerial platforms. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance capabilities...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by leading engineering projects, coordinating teams, and enhancing technical expertise while ensuring compliance with safety standards and managing project performance effectively...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive successful outcomes by providing technical leadership for construction teams on diverse infrastructure projects. Engage with stakeholders, ensuring adherence to contracts and budgets, while fost...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion construction projects by providing expert technical oversight and leadership throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with quality, budget, and schedules across various transport...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead and enhance construction projects in the Western Florida area, ensuring adherence to quality standards, budget constraints, and timelines while guiding CEI teams and communicating effectively wit...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead and inspire a dynamic construction engineering team overseeing transportation projects, ensuring compliance with budgets, schedules, and quality standards. Your expertise will drive successful pr...
3 weeks ago
R&D Chemical Engineer - Nuclear Energy Safeguards & Security, Hybrid
$102K - $199K *
Engineer innovative solutions in nuclear energy and security by developing modeling techniques and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to enhance safeguards and performance in nuclear facilitie...
5 days ago
Mechanical Engineer - Infrastructure
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that shapes the future of innovative mechanical systems by owning the design and implementation of HVAC, plumbing, and piping standards that drive groundbreaking industrial projects and en...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$74K - $102K *
Discover innovative solutions as a Process Engineer, driving process development and improvement in manufacturing. Collaborate with teams to enhance quality, design tooling, and manage capital project...
2 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Engineer, Power Systems
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's pioneering innovative power systems for aviation and ground applications. In this hands-on role, you'll lead the design and validation of medium-voltage electrical systems, ensuring...
4 days ago
Applied Scientist / Research Engineer - Data Quality & Evaluation
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance AI model performance through innovative data curation, evaluation frameworks, and automated tools. Collaborate across disciplines to translate research insights into pra...
1 week ago
$167K - $209K *
Transform aerospace design by leading mechanical integration for flight vehicles. Collaborate across teams to bring innovative concepts to life, driving projects from inception through testing in a fa...
4 weeks ago
$167K - $209K *
Drive the mechanical design and integration of ruggedized VPX electronics for aerospace and defense applications, collaborating across disciplines to develop production-ready hardware from concept thr...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Elevate user experience by owning product interfaces and roadmaps. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex problems, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction on a critical platform used by t...
1 week ago
$80K - $152K *
Manage project execution within the Command, Control, and Communications team, collaborating with engineering and program management to ensure successful delivery of innovative solutions in communicat...
1 week ago
Principal Reliability Engineer
$130K - $183K *
Pioneer reliability in next-gen power systems by translating real-world stress into quantitative test plans. Own reliability from design to production, ensuring product longevity through rigorous test...
1 week ago
General Interdisciplinary Engineer (Journeyman)
$132K - $142K *
Lead innovative engineering solutions by tackling complex challenges and advancing program methodologies. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance standards and drive impactful projects within a dyna...
Reposted 4 days ago
$116K - $175K *
Transform energy solutions by leading advanced electrical engineering projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency in designs for healthcare and educational infrastructures while mentoring junior engi...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive structural engineering projects in diverse sectors, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders while mentoring junior team members. Engage in innovative solutions...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your engineering career by collaborating on diverse structural projects. Engage in innovative designs and solutions while managing project deliverables, fostering relationships with clients, a...
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.