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.
$120K - $145K *
Drive the development and deployment of advanced machine learning algorithms for autonomous driving systems, focusing on perception, localization, and planning. Collaborate across teams to enhance saf...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a leading research team to explore AI agent behavior in complex enterprise settings. Drive initiatives on knowledge accumulation, learning, safety, and privacy while advancing the state of the ar...
3 weeks ago
$112K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading systems engineering efforts across the lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance mission-critical defense systems. Drive innovation and technical exc...
1 week ago
$103K - $181K *
Bring your expertise to a dynamic team supporting on-orbit and launch operations. Collaborate on system engineering tasks, manage agile processes, and develop risk mitigation strategies while ensuring...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer - Satellite Hardware
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of electronics design by leading complex PCB development. Collaborate across disciplines to create innovative solutions tailored for challenging environments, ensuring robust performa...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead and grow utility engineering services, managing teams and projects to deliver critical transportation infrastructure. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and ensure pro...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Elevate your career by taking on impactful water resources projects focused on flood protection and sustainability. Collaborate with seasoned engineers and gain experience on a diverse portfolio to sh...
3 weeks ago
Mission Engineer - Enterprise Architecture
$115K - $220K *
Transform national security space systems by leading mission engineering initiatives, developing robust enterprise architectures, and providing technical expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabili...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative civil engineering solutions for diverse projects, ensuring quality and efficiency in a collaborative environment while enhancing your expertise in the Power Del...
3 weeks ago
$89K - $123K *
Join a dynamic team to support the development and testing of advanced sensor prototypes, focusing on hardware integration and laboratory operations. Engage in hands-on tasks, troubleshooting, and imp...
4 days ago
Engineer, Sr, Power Electronics
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer innovative electronic BMS solutions for battery storage. Design, analyze, and troubleshoot circuits while ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with safety standards. Collaborate with tea...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Take ownership of developing and maintaining high-quality software across the full technology stack, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that enhance industrial ope...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform cutting-edge defense solutions as a senior technical leader, driving hardware and software innovations for robotics and autonomous systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure missi...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as you design innovative solutions addressing critical national security challenges while collaborating with elite teams and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive impactf...
3 weeks ago
Scientific Computer Engineer, Staff Cloud Infrastructure
$164K - $205K *
Unlock potential by designing and enhancing cloud infrastructure for scientific computing, ensuring reliability and performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solu...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer - New Technologies
$79K - $118K *
Contribute to innovative electrical engineering solutions, designing and testing cutting-edge systems. Engage with diverse teams to transform ideas into prototypes and set project trajectories through...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive the management of civil engineering projects, overseeing design compliance, contractor coordination, and project execution. Collaborate with consultants and ensure adherence to standards while m...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate your career by driving engineering excellence and innovation in product certification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality, reliability, and performance of medical devic...
Yesterday
$109K - $148K *
Take ownership of spacecraft hardware from concept to flight, collaborating across disciplines to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems. Join a dynamic team where your innovative solutions will...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Transform complex systems into streamlined solutions by leveraging your expertise in SAN, Cisco, and VMware technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance security and optimize storage infrastructure...
Today
$150K - $250K *
Champion the development and maintenance of secure, scalable back-end systems, collaborating with a team to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring data integrity and compliance in a hi...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Engineer, Maritime
$146K - $194K *
Join a team that's redefining underwater operations by designing and integrating cutting-edge Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Collaborate across disciplines to solve complex engineering challen...
6 days ago
$95K - $130K *
Transform your career by leading a team in delivering innovative water and wastewater solutions. Engage in project management, design, and client interaction while mentoring engineers and driving busi...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $130K *
Lead engineering efforts in water projects, managing teams from planning to construction while enhancing client relationships and driving business development initiatives. Foster collaboration among m...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $130K *
Manage and mentor a diverse team on water/wastewater projects from planning through construction, ensuring effective communication and project delivery while driving business development efforts for t...
3 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.