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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$98K - $148K *

Advance operational excellence by leading manufacturing improvements, optimizing resource management, and enhancing process designs. Collaborate with teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $122K *

Drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing workflows and capacity planning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product flow and implement lean methodologies, ensuring eff...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $140K *

Deliver transformative process engineering solutions to enhance Enterprise-level efficiency and ensure seamless integration across project teams, utilizing advanced methodologies and best practices to...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $140K *

Join a team that's driving process innovation. As a Process Engineer, you'll enhance Enterprise processes, lead project facilitation, and sync cross-team efforts to achieve optimal solutions across th...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $265K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions for National Security, focusing on complex algorithms, system integration, and mentoring. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational capabiliti...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of product design by developing innovative solutions from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety and quality standards while ment...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$104K - $110K *

Join a team that's advancing the future of gene editing through innovative assay development and data-driven solutions. Collaborate with experts to optimize workflows and drive impactful research at t...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $200K *

Elevate your career by driving innovative mechanical design solutions for high-performance semiconductor systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance legacy systems and ensure optimal m...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $180K *

Elevate decision-making by transforming complex data into actionable insights. Collaborate across teams to develop metrics and reporting solutions that enhance program performance and drive a culture...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in ensuring product quality for geospatial intelligence systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop tests, verify requirements, and enhance imagery solutions across v...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$132K - $175K *

Take ownership of the design and integration of electrical systems for autonomous maritime vehicles, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance and reliability in challeng...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic MEP team to tackle diverse projects, mentor staff, and lead initiatives. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and business development while working on innovative desi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$97K - $144K *

Shape the future of energy solutions by applying your expertise in electric power systems to design, configure, and mentor while ensuring high-quality automation and protection systems that meet clien...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $105K *

Accelerate progress at enhancing production efficiency and quality by analyzing processes, implementing improvements, and collaborating across teams in manufacturing and engineering environments to dr...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $100K *

Tackle waste and boost productivity in industrial processes by analyzing production methods, proposing improvements, and supporting Lean initiatives to enhance efficiency and maintain workplace safety...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Transform the building envelope industry with expert evaluations, investigations, and collaborations. Engage in failure analysis and provide impactful solutions, combining technical prowess with stron...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Partner with us to enhance Steelmaking operations by providing technical guidance, diagnosing electrical issues, and implementing preventive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability and s...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$165K - $220K *

Lead the development and integration of cutting-edge unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), defining technical architecture, and driving multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure success from concept to pro...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $145K *

Drive the development and execution of innovative semiconductor equipment solutions, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet customer needs and...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $200K *

Unlock potential by joining our dynamic team as an Environmental Planning Engineer, where you'll enhance AI-driven solutions for infrastructure projects, ensuring quality and compliance while shaping...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$85K - $120K *

Shape the future of industrial engineering by providing design expertise and analysis for heavy industrial sites. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, perform structural inspections, and contribu...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $120K *

Innovate as a structural engineer, delivering technical expertise for heavy industrial sites. Collaborate with teams on analysis, design, and construction support while navigating multidisciplinary pr...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $115K *

Drive innovative structural engineering solutions for heavy industrial sites, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality designs and reports while ensuring compliance and suppo...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$198K - $272K *

Take ownership of the design and integration of RF and microwave electronics for aerospace and defense. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring high-reliabil...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $220K *

Elevate your career by partnering with us to design and validate high-reliability RF systems for aerospace and defense applications. Engage in a hands-on role throughout the entire product lifecycle w...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.