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.
Senior / Staff Behavioral Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Transform user safety by studying risks and redesigning product flows. Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate behavioral insights into security and trust initiatives, ultimately reducing har...
3 weeks ago
Senior / Staff Behavioral Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Optimize user trust by redesigning behaviors that reduce risk on our platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement effective security measures, paving the path for safer and more secu...
3 weeks ago
Senior / Staff Behavioral Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Shape user trust and safety by integrating behavioral design strategies to reduce risk. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate product flows and enhancements that prioritize security, ult...
3 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer, Reality Labs Hardware
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of prototype electronics, designing and integrating custom hardware for next-gen AR/VR displays. Collaborate across teams to ensure performance and reliability, transforming innovative...
1 week ago
Senior Multidisciplined Engineer
$95K - $149K *
Unlock potential by leading complex engineering projects that enhance laboratory design and integration for critical nuclear examinations, ensuring effective collaboration and innovative solutions to...
Today
$190K - $260K *
Transform high-reliability aerospace electronics by leading power and analog design, mentoring engineers, and driving technical solutions from conception to field support across diverse programs...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Join our innovative team as a robotics engineer, where you'll architect and develop cutting-edge software solutions for virtual simulations, collaborating with experts to enhance autonomy and sensor i...
5 days ago
Research Engineer / Performance Engineer, RL Distributed Systems
$500K+*
Explore challenges in distributed systems by designing and optimizing large-scale reinforcement learning infrastructures. Your expertise will drive fault tolerance, automation, and observability, enha...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Performance Engineer, RL Distributed Systems
$500K+*
Champion the design and operation of large-scale distributed systems for reinforcement learning, addressing system limits across diverse areas like scheduling, fault tolerance, and observability to en...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Performance Engineer, RL Distributed Systems
$500K+*
Transform distributed systems for reinforcement learning at scale. Collaborate across scheduling, networking, and fault tolerance to optimize system performance. Drive innovation while ensuring robust...
3 weeks ago
Sr Engineer - Equipment Engineering
$69K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing semiconductor equipment performance. You'll lead improvements, manage installations, and collaborate with diverse teams to ensure optimal tool availability an...
2 days ago
$101K - $122K *
Join a team that engineers innovative solutions in electrical engineering, managing projects from concept to completion. Utilize your expertise to enhance safety and reliability in the nuclear sector...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$70K - $95K *
Engage with a dynamic team to conduct thorough due diligence for diverse property types. Your expertise will ensure quality assessments and reports while navigating local, state, and federal resources...
3 weeks ago
$70K - $95K *
Discover an exciting opportunity as a Project Engineer, conducting due diligence services on diverse commercial properties. Engage in field assessments, report writing, and travel while delivering qua...
3 weeks ago
Engineer I, Electrical Engineering
$78K - $85K *
Champion innovative electrical designs for UHP gas purification systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create detailed documentation and ensure product compliance, while enhancing your en...
6 days ago
$82K - $109K *
Champion innovative electrical engineering solutions for diverse projects, leading design and analysis of complex systems while mentoring junior staff and ensuring quality control across multiple assi...
1 week ago
$78K - $104K *
Elevate your career by leading electrical engineering projects, managing complex designs, and mentoring junior staff while contributing to innovative solutions in healthcare and education sectors...
1 week ago
$78K - $104K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative electrical engineering projects. Manage complex designs for diverse sectors, mentor junior staff, and contribute to sustainable initiatives while ensuring qua...
1 week ago
$80K - $115K *
Transform the future of building design by developing innovative electrical solutions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with codes and standards throughout all proje...
Today
$145K - $175K *
Take ownership of innovative electrical systems design and integration, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive projects from concept to large-scale deployment. Foster technical excellence...
Yesterday
$78K - $92K *
Drive the future of civil engineering by designing and managing projects remotely. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure compliance and quality while enjoying flexible work arrangements a...
3 weeks ago
$103K - $132K *
Champion innovative electrical engineering designs and solutions. Collaborate with an integrated project team, providing technical authority and direction as the Engineer of Record. Lead project devel...
4 weeks ago
$92K - $119K *
Bring your expertise to a dynamic team, providing technical leadership as the Engineer of Record for advanced electrical design projects, mentoring junior engineers, and improving complex systems with...
4 weeks ago
Project Engineer - Instrumentation and Monitoring
$70K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to deploying and maintaining advanced geotechnical and structural monitoring systems. Collaborate closely with local teams to ensure project success through quality contro...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Design and build advanced electrical systems for robotic workcells, integrating components from schematics to commissioning. Ensure safety and compliance while troubleshooting and optimizing performan...
Today
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.