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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$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by overseeing comprehensive planning and design for multi-phase construction projects, ensuring technical integrity and regulatory compliance while collaborating with cross-functional...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Transform plant performance by managing capital projects from conception to implementation, ensuring operational reliability and efficiency through effective process data monitoring and improvement st...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $125K *

Champion an innovative Systems Engineer role, collaborating with tech teams and vendors to advance product development, enhance designs, and tackle complex technical challenges in a dynamic environmen...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$146K - $222K *

Lead the development of innovative inspection tools and diagnostics for initiation systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance performance testing and contribute to critical stockpil...

4 days ago

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

$146K - $222K *

Pioneer the development of complex inspection tools and diagnostics in a collaborative environment, contributing to critical assessments of initiation systems while leading project objectives and tech...

5 days ago

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

$160K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of innovative mechanical systems for sustainable home energy products. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance product performance and relia...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $105K *

Join an innovative team to develop cutting-edge traffic products that enhance safety and independence for the visually impaired. Leverage your engineering skills in a collaborative environment to crea...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to bridging theoretical design and hardware integration. Support the full systems engineering lifecycle, ensuring rigorous validation and testing of high-value engineering...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$106K - $197K *

Shape operational efficiency by designing and deploying advanced optimization models. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making processes and drive measurable improvements in...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$108K - $154K *

Join a team that's shaping the future in R&D by developing robust manufacturing processes from innovative technologies through production readiness, ensuring quality and repeatability across operation...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $107K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of optimizing capital projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment, managing end-to-end processes with a focus on engineering excellence and operational efficien...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by leading innovative projects in mining technology. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and optimize processes that enhance plant operations and drive efficiency from c...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$115K - $172K *

Drive the development of innovative therapeutic solutions by leading verification and validation activities for medical devices. Collaborate across functions to ensure compliance and performance meets...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$101K - $188K *

Unlock potential by driving advancements in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and prototype cutting-edge algorithms that enh...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Empower the future of aerial threat systems by managing engineering efforts, supporting UAS programs, and ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software throughout the systems engineering life...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Execute innovative electrical engineering solutions within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team. Influence program strategies while actively engaging with customers on critical projects for ARMY and def...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$121K - $182K *

Unlock potential by designing and validating innovative algorithms across diverse domains, enhancing systems in networking, data fusion, and electronic warfare. Collaborate with experts to tackle real...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Innovate cutting-edge avionics for next-gen spacesuits, supporting lunar missions. Collaborate across teams in a dynamic environment, managing design, testing, and implementation. Drive advancements i...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$97K - $114K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of space power systems. As a Power Electronics Engineer, you'll design, test, and validate cutting-edge hardware, collaborating with experts to ensure high-reliab...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $150K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI algorithms for autonomous systems, driving research and development from concept to prototype. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance machine learning and computer...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $125K *

Champion quality excellence in materials engineering by leading supplier development and performance improvement initiatives for polyurethane foams. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure robust qua...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$102K - $123K *

Develop advanced mechatronic systems for space missions, ensuring integration and testing of mechanisms, electronics, and structures. Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-perfor...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Innovate by owning the full product lifecycle, from concept to delivery. Collaborate with customers to shape impactful solutions for leading companies, leveraging a modern tech stack to drive quality...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $281K *

Innovate and implement elegant software solutions as you collaborate in building systems for neural technology, enhancing manufacturing and testing processes to help impact lives positively...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by developing full-stack products that simplify scientific workflows, ensuring seamless integration and reliable operation through strong collaboration with users and a deep understan...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.