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.
Staff Build Reliability Engineer, Clean Line
$143K - $215K *
Transform your career by leading precision cleaning and contamination control initiatives. Drive technical strategy and standards to ensure hardware quality and reliability throughout the manufacturin...
Yesterday
$115K - $155K *
Elevate product innovation by leading R&D efforts in medical device development, collaborating across teams to transform clinical needs into compliant, market-ready solutions while ensuring quality an...
4 days ago
$105K - $120K *
Lead the charge in optimizing thermoplastic injection molding processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Collaborate on new product introductions and continuous improvements while providing techni...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate quality excellence by leading QA/QC initiatives across diverse projects. Oversee compliance, mentor teams, and enhance the Quality Management System to ensure superior project execution and...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Join us to lead the design and delivery of innovative gas-to-nuclear projects. As a senior technical authority, you'll drive engineering decisions, manage risks, and ensure compliance across all proje...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $105K *
Champion the development and optimization of chemical manufacturing processes, ensuring smooth transitions from lab research to full-scale production while collaborating across teams to achieve commer...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer-Hybrid
$96K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team as you design innovative automotive systems, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance driver safety and functionality. Your expertise will drive product development and sup...
4 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer-Hybrid
$96K - $125K *
Develop innovative electromechanical systems for automotive applications, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. Lead product designs and ensure seamless integration of components while dr...
4 weeks ago
$72K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to conducting impactful environmental assessments and analyses. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to support transportation projects, ensuring compliance and sust...
1 week ago
Requirements Management Engineer
$100K - $135K *
Drive the effective management and analysis of requirements within a complex satellite communications program, ensuring high-quality documentation and stakeholder collaboration for successful project...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead and mentor a team of engineers to drive project success, enhance client relationships, and ensure technical excellence in civil engineering. Collaborate with senior leadership to shape practice g...
1 week ago
$100K - $200K *
Unlock potential by driving innovation across full stack development, enhancing user experience and shipping impactful features. Collaborate with teams to implement cutting-edge tools while focusing o...
Reposted 3 days ago
Embedded Systems Engineer, Quantum Energy Systems
$110K - $130K *
Reimagine the future of energy systems by developing essential low-level firmware for advanced hardware, ensuring reliability and precision in a dynamic startup environment that values innovation and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$500K+*
Join a dynamic team to advance CAR-T cell therapies through innovative protein design. Collaborate in a cutting-edge lab environment, focusing on molecular biology and biochemistry to develop next-gen...
2 days ago
$200K - $335K *
Engage in building core AI systems that enhance platform intelligence and performance, bridging product and applied research engineering to improve agent delivery through innovative memory and learnin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$50K - $180K *
Drive success in aviation engineering by performing diverse implementation tasks and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance air traffic systems while ensuring quality and timeliness in project del...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to innovative engineering solutions by performing complex stress analyses, advanced testing, and structural evaluations. Collaborate with industry standards to enhance design integrity and...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate engineering solutions by performing complex stress analyses and advanced testing. Collaborate on design assessments and utilize finite element methods to ensure structural integrity across var...
1 week ago
$75K - $94K *
Innovate by leading product development for drilling fluids and additives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify market opportunities and enhance product performance, ensuring technical...
1 week ago
Process Engineering Technician
$72K - $106K *
Drive operational excellence by providing technical support, enhancing manufacturing processes, and training staff to ensure efficient production and high-quality outcomes in a collaborative environme...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Manage and enhance quality standards across diverse projects, ensuring compliance with specifications and regulations. Collaborate with teams to drive quality initiatives and mentor staff, contributin...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer - Natural Language Processing
$120K - $145K *
Engage in high-impact projects by overseeing team performance, client relationships, and quality assurance. Leverage your expertise in systems engineering and AI/ML to drive innovation in complex envi...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Transform manufacturing processes by providing expert chemical engineering support for electroplating, PTFE coating, and wastewater treatment, driving safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement ac...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Plant Control
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that designs and builds cutting-edge software for fusion power systems, ensuring seamless integration of control, diagnostics, and automation components while collaborating with multi-disc...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Electronics
$114K - $171K *
Drive technical leadership in the lifecycle of complex electronic assemblies, ensuring quality and reliability through collaboration and innovative problem-solving in a dynamic engineering environment...
1 week 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.