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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$82K - $125K *

Unlock potential by designing and sustaining cutting-edge electronics for fiber optic gyroscopes. Collaborate with a senior engineer to enhance product performance and reliability while gaining hands...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $195K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of spacecraft systems engineering, focusing on Communications and Avionics. Contribute to design, integration, and validation activities to ensure mission-critical...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $99K *

Develop innovative solutions to neuroimaging challenges in neurodegenerative research. Collaborate on data analysis, machine learning, and visualization to advance understanding of brain decline and m...

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance the reliability of advanced weather radar systems. Collaborate on hardware engineering projects, troubleshoot complex issues, and contribute to innovative solutions that...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to innovate air traffic communication systems, ensuring seamless voice and data exchange between controllers and pilots. Leverage your engineering expertise to enhance safety and e...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in aerospace by developing cutting-edge composite products for space applications. Collaborate with experts to manage projects from design to testing, ensuring te...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining knowledge extraction by developing innovative methods for mining structured information from diverse web content, enhancing AI model performance and retrieval capabilitie...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $160K *

Take ownership of manufacturing processes for space electronics, ensuring compliance with AS9100 standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and quality while p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Unlock your potential by engineering advanced AI credit-servicing agents. Join a dynamic team to develop and maintain cutting-edge frameworks, enhancing financial wellness for consumers while tackling...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$166K - $208K *

Lead the charge in overseeing major waterfront infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and budget specifications while collaborating with diverse teams to drive project succ...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Transform electrical engineering solutions for agricultural, industrial, and municipal projects. Contribute to innovative designs in water and wastewater infrastructure while collaborating with multid...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to design and enhance electrical systems for agricultural, industrial, and municipal projects, focusing on water and wastewater infrastructure. Collaborate with multidisciplinary t...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $185K *

Unlock innovative electrical solutions by leading design efforts from concept to production. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure robust performance in mixed-signal circuit design, while mentoring...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $250K *

Lead the design and integration of mechanical structures for advanced satellite systems, ensuring reliability and performance through cross-functional collaboration and rigorous testing protocols...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $220K *

Unlock potential by driving the design and testing of high-reliability RF systems for aerospace and defense. Collaborate in a cross-functional team through the entire product lifecycle to ensure robus...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading advanced geotechnical testing initiatives. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality, drive innovation, and mentor staff in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment focu...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $100K *

Architect innovative solutions for Fixed Gas and Flame Detection products. Lead cross-functional teams in design and testing to enhance safety technology, ensuring top performance and compliance in ch...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $100K *

Join a team that's enhancing safety through innovative electronic design and development. Collaborate across functions to deliver cutting-edge gas and flame detection solutions, ensuring compliance an...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to groundbreaking fusion energy projects by designing and implementing advanced RF circuits and diagnostic systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize performance and drive innovati...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.