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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$124K - $135K *

Lead the development and implementation of quality plans, ensuring compliance with agency specifications while overseeing QA/QC activities and documentation for large-scale construction projects in tr...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join us to lead bridge design and inspection projects, mentor junior engineers, and manage complex engineering tasks. Bring your experience and passion for innovative solutions, while growing your car...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $105K *

Champion the design and inspection of bridge projects, lead mentoring efforts, and manage complex processes to ensure compliance with PennDOT standards while fostering career growth for structural sta...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $100K *

Engage your expertise to lead bridge projects, mentoring junior engineers while ensuring compliance with PennDOT/ PTC standards. Join a collaborative environment that fosters career growth through com...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$170K - $202K *

Transform mission requirements into reliable RF communication systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft. Lead RF system trades, maintain link budgets, and ensure seamless integration across teams, dr...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $95K *

Drive the design and documentation of mechanical components for UHP gas purification systems, ensuring high-quality standards and collaboration with suppliers in a dynamic environment focused on innov...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$111K - $150K *

Join a team that's advancing renewable energy solutions through expert power system analysis. Lead complex studies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovative engineering practices...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$63K - $111K *

Elevate your career with impactful engineering projects, conducting constructability reviews, and designing temporary works. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality outcomes while prioritizing s...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $120K *

Engage as the civil technical lead on-site for a major power project, ensuring compliance with specifications, addressing technical queries, and managing civil documentation. Collaborate closely with...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$83K - $125K *

Lead quality assurance initiatives by developing and maintaining evaluation systems, collaborating with engineering teams, and ensuring compliance with standards to enhance product reliability and per...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $119K *

Elevate quality assurance through innovative engineering solutions and collaboration with production teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and continuous improvement in manufacturing proc...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $200K *

Join us in tackling unique materials challenges for fusion power deployments, ensuring high performance in demanding environments. Lead R&D initiatives, collaborate cross-functionally, and advance mat...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $120K *

Champion process optimization by analyzing and refining manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and dri...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$104K - $173K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to conduct structural analysis on advanced spacecraft, ensuring design integrity through rigorous testing and collaboration on complex engineering challenges...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $173K *

Lead the charge in spacecraft structural analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure design integrity through advanced simulations, testing, and documentation in a fast-paced environment focused on...

Mountain View, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$146K - $183K *

Unlock potential by driving innovation in advanced materials through data analysis, machine learning, and collaboration with scientists and engineers to enhance aerospace safety and efficiency in a dy...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$146K - $183K *

Pioneer advanced research initiatives by developing innovative technologies and statistical models to enhance aerospace safety and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform data...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$87K - $115K *

Unlock potential by driving innovative engineering solutions in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with diverse teams to execute projects, ensuring safety and quality standards while managing complex...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and development of precision mechanical systems for PCBA test fixtures. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliable operation and adaptability of advanced robo...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $105K *

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and optimize advanced nuclear reactor components, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the development lifecycle. This role offers early-career...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$105K - $165K *

Design and optimize environmental test systems for spacecraft components, ensuring rigorous qualification and acceptance testing. Collaborate with teams to validate hardware performance under space-li...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $250K *

Empower AI safety by leading research on white-box methods, publishing findings, and engaging with the community to improve algorithm alignment and risk management in real-world applications with a fo...

3 weeks ago

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

$135K - $176K *

Drive impactful infrastructure projects by overseeing on-site operations, ensuring compliance with contract specifications, and managing safety protocols while leading inspection teams and coordinatin...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $130K *

Lead construction projects by supervising engineering teams, ensuring compliance with standards, and managing schedules and budgets for successful project delivery. Engage with clients and stakeholder...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $160K *

Lead the charge in overseeing engineering projects, ensuring compliance and quality while managing schedules and budgets. Collaborate with clients and contractors to deliver successful outcomes in con...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.