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.
$72K - $87K *
Engage in groundbreaking research on classical architectures for scalable quantum error correction. Collaborate with experts to develop algorithms and models that enhance performance while addressing...
Yesterday
Structural Engineer - US ITER Project
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of structural engineering by providing critical analysis and support for the US ITER Project, ensuring compliance with design standards and collaborating with diverse teams to deliver...
Yesterday
Senior/Staff Electrical Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Take ownership of the complete design lifecycle for complex electrical subsystems in an innovative autonomous robotic pharmacy system, ensuring high standards in a regulated environment while collabor...
1 week ago
Senior/Staff Electrical Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Help us design innovative electrical subsystems for a groundbreaking autonomous pharmacy dispensing system, ensuring high standards in a regulated environment while leading the full lifecycle from con...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate your career by enhancing production efficiency and leading industrialization efforts. Collaborate on new equipment design, optimize processes, and drive Lean initiatives to achieve operationa...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $150K *
Lead innovative water resource projects, enhancing your engineering expertise through collaboration on diverse, multi-discipline initiatives that shape the future of transportation infrastructure...
2 weeks ago
$69K - $99K *
Support the design and analysis of power plant systems in a collaborative engineering team. Utilize your civil engineering skills to create designs, specifications, and calculations for various projec...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower product excellence by providing engineering support for Flowline products, enhancing reliability and quality across manufacturing, sales, and field operations while driving continuous improvem...
Reposted 1 week ago
$170K - $210K *
Innovate in spacecraft electronics design, defining high-speed and optical systems to revolutionize space networking. Collaborate across teams to create cutting-edge hardware that enables unprecedente...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $230K *
Champion innovative thermal solutions by analyzing electronic components and systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance thermal performance, support testing, and drive design improve...
5 days ago
$117K - $172K *
Elevate semiconductor innovation by collaborating on complex inspection systems, driving high-impact solutions, and enhancing product performance through rigorous testing and analysis in a dynamic, fa...
1 week ago
$100K - $145K *
Innovate customer success by driving implementation projects from kickoff to go-live. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective software integration and compliance, enhancing operational efficiency...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$115K - $160K *
Drive customer success through seamless project implementations, ensuring timely configuration and deployment of solutions while managing change amidst evolving requirements and fostering strong commu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$104K - $194K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of engineering and program management, ensuring technical issues are resolved and resources are effectively allocated. Collaborate with leaders to maintain prog...
1 week ago
$108K - $208K *
Analyze and design scalable data infrastructures for intelligence systems. Collaborate with government stakeholders and cross-functional teams to develop robust data solutions, ensuring security and c...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of technical sales by engaging new clients, delivering tailored solutions, and cultivating lasting relationships. Drive revenue growth while collaborating with cross-functional teams...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $105K *
Manage and support capital projects in pharmaceutical environments, ensuring effective execution of construction, commissioning, and startup activities while collaborating with internal teams and cont...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform asset reliability and performance by leading initiatives that enhance maintenance strategies and eliminate defects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize operations and ensur...
1 week ago
$79K - $129K *
Lead innovative R&D projects in automotive systems, managing resources and timelines while driving continuous improvement and collaboration across teams to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure...
1 week ago
Failure Analysis Engineer, Electromechanical Hardware
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by owning failure analysis for electromechanical hardware, driving root cause investigations, and collaborating across engineering teams to ensure product reliability and quality f...
2 weeks ago
$151K - $185K *
Elevate your career as a Project Engineer, leading hypersonic air vehicle programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop technical strategies, manage risks, and ensure successful executi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Embedded DSP Engineer (Research Engineer)
$113K - $148K *
Drive innovation in underwater acoustics by developing and maintaining software for embedded DSP systems. Collaborate on research projects, conduct sea experiments, and analyze data to enhance acousti...
2 days ago
$110K - $140K *
Lead the charge in delivering critical infrastructure projects, overseeing design, coordination, and project execution while developing your skills and mentoring junior engineers to enhance community...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $105K *
Drive development of innovative 3D printing resins for digital dentistry by conducting research, optimizing formulations, and supporting scalability while ensuring high quality and usability in a coll...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of transportation infrastructure by leading electrical system design for highway and bridge projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure complia...
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.