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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$86K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to provide technical support for U.S./UK Joint Programs, ensuring compliance and effective communication between U.S. Navy and NNSA customers. Lead meetings, manage documentation...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Collaborate with engineers to build and test robotic electrical systems. Execute functional tests, maintain test setups, and capture data to validate hardware continuously. Thrive in a dynamic environ...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$171K - $225K *

Drive progress at the forefront of systems engineering by analyzing user requirements and leading design initiatives. Collaborate closely with teams to integrate cutting-edge technology and ensure sys...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Empower healthcare innovations by designing compact optical systems that combine advanced photonic devices with optical components. Collaborate in a dynamic team to develop transformative solutions fo...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Engage with customers by providing expert technical support for refractory and metallurgical products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality service delivery and identify best prac...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$138K - $165K *

Take ownership of reliability strategies for consumer hardware products, ensuring quality from launch through end-of-life. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve field failures, mentor engineers, a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $175K *

Unlock optimal reliability and quality for groundbreaking consumer hardware. Drive engineering strategies, influence product design, and lead critical problem-solving initiatives across product life c...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $165K *

Shape the future of consumer hardware reliability by driving quality strategies, resolving performance issues, and influencing design decisions in a collaborative environment to ensure exceptional pro...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive quality improvements across operations by applying engineering principles, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product and process quality. Make a tangible i...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$116K - $182K *

Transform radar technology through your expertise in RF design and signal processing. Engage in innovative phased array radar projects that address critical national defense priorities, collaborating...

Reposted 3 days ago

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

$146K - $194K *

Shape the future of spaceborne imaging systems by defining electrical architectures, designing power electronics, and leading interdisciplinary teams to develop cutting-edge EO/IR sensor payloads for...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that designs innovative embedded systems for agricultural machinery, architecting software and hardware solutions to enhance performance and efficiency while collaborating across disciplin...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $174K *

Lead and mentor a team in executing high-quality data labeling projects, ensuring accuracy and consistency for machine learning initiatives while collaborating with researchers and engineers to meet p...

4 weeks ago

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

$74K - $110K *

Grow your career with hands-on engineering in autonomy and robotics. Support integration, verification, and validation of unmanned aircraft systems while collaborating with experienced teams to enhanc...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $185K *

Drive technical excellence in spacecraft avionics by establishing architecture standards, managing risks, and mentoring teams to ensure timely delivery of flight-grade hardware across multiple program...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Transform data ecosystems by designing scalable pipelines and analytics solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights while ensuring data quality and compliance wit...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive multidisciplinary design coordination and governance for Facilities in the High-Speed Rail programme, ensuring alignment with operational, regulatory, and performance targets while leading a tea...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Transportation

$85K - $150K *

Lead engineering analyses and design for complex defense and industrial facilities. Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for structural and geotechnical challeng...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovative projects in microoptics manufacturing, overseeing processes from photolithography to yield analysis. Collaborate with teams to ensure project success while managing risks and implemen...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$106K - $142K *

Drive cross-functional NPI programs that transform market needs into production-ready semiconductor equipment. Lead teams through product definition, engineering, and validation, ensuring alignment an...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$78K - $115K *

Drive the design and development of innovative vacuum and heat exchanger systems for naval applications, overseeing projects from concept through manufacture while collaborating with diverse stakehold...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$78K - $115K *

Engage with cross-functional teams to develop and design innovative vacuum and heat exchanger equipment for naval applications, managing projects from conception through manufacturing while ensuring t...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Optimize utility-scale solar farm development through strategic analysis, design, and permitting. Lead a team in site evaluation and civil engineering planning while ensuring compliance with regulatio...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$164K - $226K *

Transform the identity and access landscape by designing scalable systems for user management, authentication, and authorization. Collaborate with security teams to ensure robust, secure solutions tha...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$78K - $120K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality civil engineering solutions. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to execute construction projects, ensuring safety, reliability, and adher...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

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.