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

$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 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

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

$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

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

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $110K *

Seeking a skilled Control Systems Engineer to design and implement automated control systems for advanced gas purification equipment, enhancing performance and reliability through innovative solutions...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Elevate your career by leading structural design efforts for public infrastructure projects. Manage design, ensure compliance, and supervise junior engineers while driving innovative solutions in a co...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing innovative structural solutions for public infrastructure projects. Oversee and enhance engineering analyses while guiding junior staff to achieve high-quality compliance...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $100K *

Elevate quality assurance processes by implementing and maintaining robust procedures to ensure compliance and safety in product design and development, while collaborating with cross-functional teams...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$70K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring accuracy and efficiency while managing resources and timelines effectively...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$70K - $95K *

Engineer innovative solutions by managing equipment design and project execution, ensuring quality and accuracy from start to finish. Collaborate effectively with teams and customers to meet project o...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by designing and improving automated manufacturing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative mechanical solutions, ensuring reliability and efficiency in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Join a pioneering research team to design safety benchmarks and environments for AI models. Drive innovative evaluations that enhance AI self-improvement and address misaligned behaviors, ensuring rob...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $140K *

Lead impactful capital projects in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of facility upgrades, utility systems, and manufacturing...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$92K - $110K *

Lead cross-functional teams in developing system-level solutions for missile defense. Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering to analyze architecture impacts and coordinate technical specifications, e...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by leading the design and analysis of PWB systems for space applications. Collaborate with engineers and customers to deliver high-reliability electronics from concept to hardware...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $132K *

Champion product innovation by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product features, support marketing efforts, and ensure customer satisfaction through technical expertise and docume...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $144K *

Empower innovation in wildfire mitigation by collaborating with customers and R&D teams. Leverage technical expertise to translate customer needs into practical product features and support impactful...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $144K *

Accelerate wildfire mitigation efforts by collaborating with customers and R&D teams. Shape innovative solutions that improve grid resiliency, translating complex needs into user-friendly products. Tr...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$86K - $192K *

Lead the charge in advancing semiconductor processes by developing innovative formulations, enhancing manufacturing techniques, and collaborating with diverse teams to drive next-gen product success a...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $150K *

Tackle complex product development projects by leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and engineering standards while fostering collaboration and maintaining pr...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $180K *

Lead the design and deployment of mission-critical hardware systems for U.S. defense operations. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure high-reliability solutions are effectively delivered in real-w...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential as you tackle complex electrical engineering challenges, providing critical support for advanced water management systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational e...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that empowers engineering excellence by providing critical electrical support for complex water management systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency through innovative design, troublesh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 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.