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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$90K - $120K *

Shape the future of quality assurance in manufacturing by enhancing production processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, implement, and continuously improve quality systems, drivi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $120K *

Engineer robust quality systems by guiding compliance and continuous improvement processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliability and manufacturing efficiency, driving...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Champion innovative structural designs for transportation projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards and project timelines. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality solutions while ment...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$117K - $235K *

Innovate in remote sensing research by leading complex projects, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and driving technical excellence in space-based applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary t...

Albuquerque, NMRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $136K *

Lead the charge in supporting assembly and testing of propulsion systems, ensuring high-quality hardware performance across satellite programs while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achiev...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join our dynamic team to manage geotechnical lab testing programs, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate across disciplines, mentor staff, and foster continuous improvement while engaging with...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$62K - $99K *

Join a team that's committed to delivering innovative construction solutions while supporting engineering projects through collaboration, technical analysis, and hands-on fieldwork. Ideal for recent g...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $155K *

Unlock the potential of advanced imagery science by collaborating with a dynamic team to develop and evaluate cutting-edge algorithms for EO/IR imagery, ensuring effective real-world application and p...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by ensuring high-performance, secure, and scalable networks across multiple sites. Lead integration efforts for newly acquired companies while collaborating with IT and security teams...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Unlock project success by leading engineering deliverables, budgets, and schedules while coordinating with diverse teams and stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate execution in a collaborative env...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $155K *

Shape project success by leading engineering efforts, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within scope...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in operational integration and technical synchronization for missile defense systems. Manage executive engineering rhythms, coordinate lifecycle documentation, and facilitate cross-dir...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $150K *

Transform innovative electromagnetic technologies through advanced modeling, analysis, and validation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex RF and microwave engineering challenge...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $201K *

Lead the charge in designing and delivering innovative electrical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency while mentoring junior engineers and managing compl...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$79K - $147K *

Shape the future of strategic defense by leading engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance and budget goa...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$70K - $130K *

Drive project success by orchestrating activities across initiatives, translating technical concepts into actionable plans, and ensuring alignment with cost and schedule targets for optimal project de...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$64K - $95K *

Pioneer the mechanical design of aircraft engine nacelle components. Collaborate with manufacturers and vendors to define system architecture, generate technical data packages, and ensure compliance w...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$64K - $95K *

Drive the mechanical design of aircraft engine nacelle components, collaborating with manufacturers and vendors to ensure compliance with technical requirements while generating detailed technical dat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by managing device development projects from concept to production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define technology requirements, design processes, and ensure high-qual...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $132K *

Innovate cutting-edge 3D printing techniques while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Tackle complex engineering challenges and enhance product performance through experimentation and data-d...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$109K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining sourcing strategies for infrastructure categories. You'll lead end-to-end sourcing, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive cost savings while managing supplie...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $120K *

Develop impactful software solutions as a core team member, collaborating closely with senior engineers to execute on features and improve existing systems while driving tangible outcomes in the digit...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$95K - $115K *

Partner with us to ensure high-performance, secure networks across multiple sites. You'll play a key role in integrating new systems and enhancing network capabilities, ensuring our infrastructure is...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$70K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping innovative consumer product designs, leveraging your expertise in Mechanical Engineering to lead projects from vision to mass production while enhancing product quality and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$125K - $150K *

Drive impactful engineering solutions by leading a multidisciplinary team in delivering innovative projects across water and transportation sectors, ensuring quality and efficiency within budget and t...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.