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.
Geotechnical Engineer, Kiewit Infrastructure Engineers
$115K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your geotechnical engineering expertise to support diverse construction projects. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to analyze designs, mitigate risks, and innova...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL)
$68K - $113K *
Shape the future of technology as an entry-level Electrical Engineering Technologist, supporting PCB design and analysis in a collaborative research environment. Contribute to innovative projects and...
1 week ago
General/Interdisciplinary Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Manage complex engineering tasks to support lifecycle of AWACS systems. Collaborate with diverse teams, ensuring robust system performance aligned with DoD acquisition processes. Contribute to moderni...
4 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to ensure mission assurance for launch programs, managing resources and communications with key stakeholders while driving project success and team performance in a fas...
Yesterday
$130K - $150K *
Shape the future of spacecraft power systems by leading the design and development of high-voltage electronics for innovative orbital projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to prototype, test, and...
Today
Manufacturing Engineer - Electromechanical Assembly
$72K - $112K *
Transform your career by leading electromechanical assembly initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions, and applying lean manufacturing principles. Collaborate across teams while driving innovation and...
3 weeks ago
Staff Chemical Engineer - Engineering/Catalyst Development
$134K - $193K *
Advance catalyst development by leading material qualification, testing, and data analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and troubleshoot testing processes, ensuring effective...
Yesterday
Staff Chemical Engineer - Engineering/Catalyst Development
$134K - $193K *
Innovate in catalyst development by leading testing and qualification efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects forward while utilizing your strong chemical engineering backgr...
Yesterday
$117K - $195K *
Grow your career with a leading role in systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on design, requirements management, and verification activities to ensure mission success and foster collab...
3 weeks ago
Engineer: Process Improvement Engineer
$95K - $115K *
The Process Improvement Engineer at Nanobiosym will coordinate a production and engineering team to enhance manufacturing processes, particularly in injection molding. This hands-on role involves deve...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of microelectronics by serving as a senior Customer Application Engineer. You'll lead technical interfaces, advise on semiconductor lifecycle, and negotiate contr...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate progress at improving semiconductor product yield through data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and effective corrective actions. Drive measurable enhancements in performance and q...
Yesterday
Software Engineer, BCI Applications
$128K - $281K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative brain-computer interface software to empower individuals with paralysis. Collaborate closely with users to create exceptional experiences and enhance system fu...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, BCI Applications
$128K - $281K *
Transform lives by creating BCI software that empowers users to control devices through brain activity, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to innovate and enhance user experiences in cutting-e...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer, Structures
$90K - $150K *
Join a team that's transforming satellite technology! Drive innovative designs, collaborate across subsystems, and tackle complex challenges in a dynamic environment to revolutionize satellite structu...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $176K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative engineering projects that enhance technological capabilities and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate across teams to solve complex problems while ensuring...
Yesterday
$72K - $94K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing quality systems and resolving customer issues. As a key member of the Quality team, you'll drive improvements and collaborate on projects that ensure efficien...
2 days ago
Cyber Engineer - Nuclear & Industrial Engineering
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by supporting engineering initiatives in automation and system modernization across diverse sectors, enhancing reliability and security through innovative solutions and collaborati...
2 weeks ago
Internal Acceleration, Research Engineer (Hardware)
$150K - $400K *
Lead transformative projects by embedding with hardware teams to develop innovative agentic systems. Drive end-to-end solutions in a fast-paced environment, tackling critical challenges that shape the...
5 days ago
$175K - $250K *
Champion the development of AI-driven applications that enhance broker workflows, drive revenue growth, and improve member engagement. Collaborate cross-functionally to build innovative, scalable solu...
Reposted 4 days ago
Production Mechanical Engineer, Space
$129K - $171K *
Take ownership of production readiness for space hardware, driving designs from low-rate to high-rate manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to enhance producibility, reliability, and efficiency whil...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Innovate cutting-edge materials and processes to support advanced aerospace projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team to define requirements, analyze risks, and develop manufacturing plans, ensuring h...
Today
Research and Development Mechanical Engineer
$92K - $200K *
Transform engineering challenges into innovative solutions by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, conducting research, and developing prototypes to support national security missions and enhan...
1 week ago
Research and Development Mechanical Engineer
$92K - $200K *
Transform the future of engineering by developing innovative solutions in a dynamic research environment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges and contribute to nation...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in revolutionizing user interactions with advanced AI and ML models. As a backend engineer, you will bridge AI outputs with user-facing elements, enhancing efficacy and user experience...
4 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.