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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$111K - $167K *

Help us innovate energy solutions by applying engineering principles to design and analyze electrical systems for various infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver r...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$101K - $152K *

Grow your career with us by applying engineering principles to design and support electrical systems in energy projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency in multi-faceted environments...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$101K - $152K *

Champion innovative electrical design solutions for energy projects across campuses, ensuring compliance and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and sustainability...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$101K - $152K *

Unlock your potential by leading innovative electrical engineering projects. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, enhance technical designs, and mentor junior engineers while driving excellence in sy...

Little Rock, ARRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$135K - $190K *

Support facilities by ensuring electrical system reliability and performance. Collaborate across teams for troubleshooting and upgrades. Drive initiatives in safety and operational excellence to enhan...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI alignment and capabilities through innovative reinforcement learning methodologies, contributing to the development of intelligent, aligned agents through dynamic and t...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$92K - $119K *

Unlock innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects. Collaborate in a fast-paced environment, applying technical expertise and critical thinking to enhance both existing systems and n...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$103K - $132K *

Drive innovative electrical design solutions within a dynamic team, ensuring high standards as the Engineer of Record. Oversee projects from concept to execution while enhancing existing systems and m...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to maintaining operational excellence in hotel engineering. Oversee preventive maintenance, ensure safety compliance, and lead a skilled team to enhance guest experiences...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$88K - $105K *

Tackle complex mechanical challenges while driving R&D facilities modernization and capital improvements. Collaborate across teams to enhance pilot capabilities for cutting-edge carbon fiber technolog...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in transforming concepts into buildable systems by leveraging your expertise in applications engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver precise layouts, cost-effec...

Louisville, KYRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of recycling by leading extractive metallurgy initiatives, driving innovation in flowsheet design, and ensuring optimal performance from pilot to commercial scale in a strategic...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $190K *

Take ownership of extractive metallurgy processes, leading design and deployment of innovative recycling and refining flowsheets. Collaborate with leadership to drive technical excellence and ensure o...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$210K - $250K *

Lead the development of a cutting-edge orbital transfer vehicle, overseeing all technical aspects from design to flight. Collaborate with teams and manage suppliers to ensure successful integration an...

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $166K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading a diverse team, managing project execution, and ensuring customer satisfaction through effective planning and collaboration. Mentor junior engineers while overs...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$108K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by leading a team in analyzing R&D prototype components and flight systems. Drive innovative solutions through thermal and structural analysis while managing budgets and schedule...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K - $155K *

Design impactful electrical systems for train control modernization, ensuring compliance with national codes. Lead multiple projects while delivering advanced engineering solutions and managing comple...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$103K - $181K *

Transform missile defense capabilities by conducting performance analyses, developing analytical tools, and collaborating with engineering teams to enhance system effectiveness and operational readine...

2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $136K *

Transform electrical systems through innovative design, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance distributed energy resources and microgrids for cutting-edge technologies...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative electronic hardware and embedded systems for diverse markets. Collaborate across teams to create prototypes, mentor engineers, and drive technology advancement...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Help us drive innovation as a Mechanical Engineer, providing essential drafting support and generating detailed engineering drawings using CREO and Windchill in a dynamic aerospace environment with a...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$117K - $195K *

Transform complex spacecraft designs through rigorous systems engineering, focusing on Power and Thermal subsystems. Lead ConOps development, manage requirements, and ensure integration and validation...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$76K - $102K *

Drive innovation by supporting the design and development of mechanical components for advanced manufacturing applications. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality and timely project completion while...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$209K - $270K *

Elevate innovation by leading strategic initiatives that unify customer insights, market trends, and cutting-edge technology to drive sustainable growth and enhance value across the industrial sector...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$209K - $270K *

Champion innovative solutions by aligning customer needs and market trends. Drive product development through collaboration with cross-functional teams, leveraging technology insights to foster sustai...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.