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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$80K - $95K *

Engineer production processes by optimizing methods to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support technology scale-up. Collaborate with cross-department teams and lead capital projects to achieve o...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $150K *

Shape innovative instrumentation for space exploration by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and advancing technology in extreme environments. Contribute from design to testing of systems esse...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $150K *

Innovate with our dynamic engineering team to develop cutting-edge instruments for space missions. Contribute to the design, testing, and integration of advanced technology for lunar and deep space ap...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Analyze and enhance electrical systems for optimal performance and safety. Collaborate with design teams and manage documentation to drive innovative improvements in industrial heating applications. L...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $106K *

Elevate manufacturing excellence by driving process improvements, ensuring product quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to transition new products to production seamlessly. Champion...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$69K - $120K *

Elevate semiconductor processes by designing and executing experiments, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and yield in a dy...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Design standardized HV/MV substation systems for seamless campus interconnection, ensuring utility compliance and optimizing layouts across multiple sites for efficiency and effectiveness in engineeri...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform substation designs for interconnection, ensuring utility compliance and efficiency through standardized layouts and physical specifications, while facilitating collaboration with utilities a...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Elevate your career by designing high-voltage substations and ensuring compliance with utility standards. Collaborate with utilities to create standardized, efficient designs for interconnection acros...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $170K *

Empower your career by leading electrical utility relocation projects in a dynamic airport environment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance aviation infrastructure and ensure seamless...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$160K - $185K *

Drive the future of sensing technology! Join our dynamic team to architect, manage, and ensure system-level safety requirements for cutting-edge LIDAR products that meet industry standards and revolut...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Empower manufacturing excellence as a Process Engineer in a dynamic environment. Drive optimization and improvements in Polyimide production by leveraging your technical expertise, while collaborating...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$161K - $241K *

Transform production efficiency by analyzing workflows and optimizing resource utilization. Lead strategic planning and technical initiatives while mentoring teams to achieve operational excellence an...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $151K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative hardware solutions for industrial applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop next-gen sensing technologies, ensuring product quality and re...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$320K - $485K *

Drive the development of robust production systems for capacity management, ensuring optimal utilization of infrastructure resources across diverse cloud environments while collaborating with cross-fu...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$320K - $485K *

Shape the future of infrastructure management by building robust systems that optimize resource allocation, enhance efficiency, and provide real-time insights across diverse cloud environments, drivin...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $151K *

Join us to enhance enterprise-level processes through innovative solutions, coordinating across project teams while utilizing your expertise in process improvement methodologies and effective training...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Transform vessel management by leading maintenance strategies, coordinating inspections, and driving compliance for optimal performance in a dynamic marine engineering environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$65K - $100K *

Join a team focused on project management and construction supervision. Oversee document control, scheduling, and cost management to ensure client satisfaction throughout the construction process, fro...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$107K - $204K *

Join a dynamic team as a Radar Cross Section Engineer, focusing on testing, analysis, and signature-reduction for advanced aerospace systems. Leverage your expertise in RCS chamber operations and rada...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $115K *

Engineer innovative civil and geotechnical solutions, leading multidisciplinary teams in project management and design for mine tailings and coal ash facilities, while prioritizing client engagement a...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping project futures through innovative civil and geotechnical engineering. Lead diverse projects from design to execution, ensuring client satisfaction and managing multidiscipl...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $115K *

Lead innovative civil and geotechnical projects focused on mine tailings and coal ash management. Deliver impactful solutions through excellent client engagement, technical design, and effective proje...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of control systems by leading projects, designing solutions, and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure successful implementation and functionality of instrumentation and cont...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Collaborate with clients to lead transportation construction projects, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and profitable management while mentoring staff and maintaining strong client relationships in...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.