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.
$81K - $151K *
Join a team that's driving Cyber Resiliency initiatives by managing workforce planning, metrics analysis, and resource allocation. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met wh...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative mechanical systems from concept to production. Collaborate with teams to create detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings, ensuring high-quality product delivery while consider...
6 days ago
Lead Engineer, Project Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in advancing capital projects that enhance plant safety, operational efficiency, and compliance. Manage multi-million dollar budgets and cross-functional teams while driving process im...
Reposted 1 week ago
$58K - $109K *
Explore your potential as you support experienced engineers in solving real-world challenges, enhancing product performance, and developing your technical skills through hands-on experience and struct...
1 week ago
$192K - $289K *
Unlock your potential as a key technical authority, leading a diverse engineering team to enhance national security initiatives through innovative software solutions in an agile, collaborative setting...
Reposted 1 week ago
$115K - $140K *
Lead the charge in launching a high-volume manufacturing facility, bridging design and operations. Drive strategic execution, mentor engineers, and ensure world-class efficiency and safety in producti...
1 week ago
$130K - $160K *
Empower the future of UAV navigation by developing advanced sensor fusion algorithms and integrating cutting-edge navigational aids. Collaborate on innovative solutions that enhance vehicle pose estim...
1 week ago
Security Engineer (Research Infrastructure)
$346K - $500K+*
Shape a secure future for research technologies. Lead in defining security for multi-cloud environments that enable high-compute research, ensuring safety in CI/CD practices and automated systems for...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$108K - $123K *
Help us design and develop cutting-edge optical systems for advanced space missions, leveraging your expertise in optical engineering and adaptive optics to innovate and enhance deep space communicati...
1 week ago
$90K - $124K *
Unlock potential by designing innovative mechanical aircraft interiors to meet customer specifications and FAA requirements, leveraging advanced CAD tools while collaborating across teams to enhance p...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing advanced electromechanical systems for critical infrastructure. Collaborate with global teams to create innovative solutions that balance performance, cost, and reliabilit...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Empower innovative software solutions by developing and enhancing complex systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver high-quality code and support diverse projects, ensuring adherence to desi...
2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Process Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by leading process innovations and improvements in manufacturing. Utilize lean methodologies and technical expertise to enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality while collab...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $95K *
Transform manufacturing processes by developing and optimizing techniques to enhance product quality, reduce costs, and improve yields in a collaborative environment...
1 week ago
$87K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing innovative mechanical components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product performance and quality while driving cost-effective solutio...
4 days ago
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining nuclear power engineering by designing innovative systems and leading projects that enhance plant operations and safety. Collaborate with clients and drive impactful modi...
Yesterday
Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Lead engineering projects in nuclear power systems design, focusing on modifications, analyses, and vendor evaluations. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance...
Yesterday
$85K - $149K *
Build advanced testing strategies and analyze data to enhance product reliability. Collaborate with design teams, develop validation plans, and conduct root cause analysis to drive improvements and en...
3 weeks ago
Staff/Senior Mechanical Engineer
$130K - $190K *
Unlock your potential as a key contributor in mechanical design, driving innovation in low-temperature plasma metrology. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle technical challenges and shape the fu...
2 weeks ago
$89K - $116K *
Transform systems engineering processes to support innovative space missions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle, ensuring mission success from design and integration...
Reposted 4 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Pioneer project leadership by coordinating global engineering teams to ensure the timely delivery of quality design and certification documentation for Airbus aircraft. Engage in resource planning and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer (Electromechanical Medical Devices)
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by leading cross-functional teams to integrate electrical, mechanical, and software systems. Drive user needs and requirements, manage risks, and ensure compliance to deliver impact...
1 week ago
Assistant Research Engineer (Radio Frequency & Sensing Systems)
$90K - $115K *
Innovate within RF/microwave engineering and sensing systems to advance autonomous platforms. Lead research, develop communication architectures, and collaborate across teams to deliver cutting-edge s...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape environmental compliance and operational excellence by partnering with teams to innovate and enhance systems for regulatory adherence while driving continuous improvement in environmental perfor...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion environmental compliance and performance by implementing innovative solutions and managing multiple programs at a leading manufacturing site. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure...
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.