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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1
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$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's delivering innovative electrical solutions for complex industrial and energy projects. Leverage your expertise in nuclear, oil and gas, and switchgear design while leading multidisc...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Advance technical leadership in electrical engineering for complex projects in nuclear, oil and gas, and switchgear sectors, ensuring design excellence and regulatory compliance while driving successf...

Gatineau, QCIn-Person

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $150K *

Shape the future of urban engineering by providing geotechnical oversight, managing projects, and developing innovative solutions for foundation design and construction challenges in a collaborative e...

6 days ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading power systems engineering for transmission protection. Drive compliance, enhance reliability, and guide teams in innovative solutions to shape the future of energy with adv...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$150K - $180K *

Join a growing engineering team and lead our mission to deliver flawlessly constructed compliance solutions. Drive execution and quality in a fast-paced environment while shaping the technical directi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $123K *

Shape the future of land development by leading engineering projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and mentoring a dynamic team to achieve project goals on time and within budget...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $155K *

Transform the future of robotics by developing advanced learning-based perception systems. Collaborate with engineers to integrate machine learning and classical robotics, ensuring real-world applicat...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$118K - $180K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative electrical engineering solutions for nuclear power projects. Oversee multi-discipline teams, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction while drivin...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative electrical engineering solutions for nuclear power projects. Oversee multi-discipline coordination, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction w...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Lead a team in tackling complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery through effective coordination, technical oversight, and client engagement. Drive innovation and mentor te...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Contribute to innovative electrical engineering projects, leading a team to solve complex challenges in nuclear power systems. Drive project success through effective coordination, technical oversight...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $120K *

Shape innovative engineering solutions as you lead complex projects, focusing on low to medium voltage power systems in industrial settings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior e...

Warrenville, ILRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$138K - $165K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional technical support and training. Leverage your expertise in optical communications to resolve customer issues, conduct trials, and enhance product...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $100K *

Drive innovative electrical designs for aircraft systems, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations. Collaborate with teams to enhance mission-critical subsystems, utilizing advanced engineering softwa...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $201K *

Champion innovative mechanical design solutions for complex energy and infrastructure projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams, ensuring high-quality execution and compliance while mentoring junior engi...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $181K *

Lead the charge in designing and delivering complex mechanical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring high-quality, code-compliant solutions while mentoring junior engineers and mana...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$134K - $201K *

Lead multidisciplinary design efforts for complex mechanical systems in energy and infrastructure projects. Ensure code compliance and mentor junior engineers, while managing project execution and res...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$86K - $111K *

Engage in engineering assignments to enhance utility systems through design, coordination, and monitoring. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement improvements and ensure system performance, while...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $105K *

Take ownership of innovative mechanical designs for advanced particle accelerator systems, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance our state-of-the-art production capabilities and ensur...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.