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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$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

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

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Champion the design and development of automated fuel handling systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create 3D models, prototypes, and manufacturing drawings, ensuring efficient fabricat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$75K - $156K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop software infrastructure for national security programs, utilizing programming and container technologies. Collaborate effectively while driving innovative sol...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $156K *

Join a dynamic team dedicated to developing innovative software solutions for national security. Collaborate with experts, enhance your skills in modern technologies, and tackle challenging problems i...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $156K *

Innovate software-centric infrastructure for national security programs, applying foundational engineering skills in Python and Java. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance cloud-native...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $140K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Project Engineer, leading complex projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring technical excellence while fostering strong client relationships and meeting project objective...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Transform project execution by leading technical efforts, ensuring alignment with schedule and budget. Collaborate across teams to drive product development from inception to delivery, while managing...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the execution of capital projects across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and operational goals. Drive collaboration among teams to deliver projects on time...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engage as a key contributor in customer projects by implementing API designs and developing software components using LabVIEW and Python. Collaborate closely with clients and project leads to ensure s...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $220K *

Join a collaborative team to own and elevate the web presence through design and interactive experiences, ensuring brand consistency and performance while utilizing modern frameworks and technologies...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a dynamic team to tackle diverse engineering challenges, including design, construction management, and data analysis, while leveraging your expertise in geotechnical and tunneling projects to dr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $110K *

Grow your career with hands-on R&D in developing sustainable high-performance materials. Collaborate with a dynamic team to innovate, test, and commercialize new products that meet challenging environ...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Engage with us to design and test innovative electrical systems for complex autonomous platforms. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle technical challenges in power management, embedded systems...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $135K *

Lead the development and maintenance of data classification policies, ensuring effective metadata tagging and permission enforcement across workflows. Engage in automating sensitive data discovery and...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.