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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$350K - $500K+*

Explore a role bridging research and engineering to optimize large-scale ML training pipelines, ensuring reliability and efficiency in model operations while collaborating on impactful AI advancements...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Innovate robust data processing systems to support and optimize scalable datasets for cutting-edge machine learning models. Collaborate closely with research teams to enhance data quality and influenc...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $130K *

Unlock your potential by leading the design and deployment of advanced control systems and automation solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in critical manufacturing processes wh...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$275K - $325K *

Unlock the potential of AI by taking charge of end-to-end model development, optimizing performance, and integrating cutting-edge solutions into products. Collaborate closely within a passionate team...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock your potential on a dynamic AI team, transforming financial data into impactful solutions. Collaborate closely with product and engineering to deliver AI features that enhance efficiency and au...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by integrating systems engineering and digital methodologies to develop advanced defense capabilities. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to enhance sensor-to-shooter integrat...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$300K - $350K *

Elevate brand vision by crafting a cohesive look and feel across products, marketing, and digital platforms. Collaborate with a small team to design user-centric experiences and develop features swift...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and release manufacturable mechanical designs for high-performance metal components, ensuring quality and efficiency from concept through production...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of precision manufacturing by developing and releasing high-performance mechanical designs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and quality in a fast-p...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Innovate the future of Navy electronics by designing state-of-the-art circuit cards and developing precision test procedures while collaborating with engineers to enhance system performance and reliab...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing robotic locomotion and manipulation through advanced simulation techniques. Own the full pipeline from real-world reconstruction to synthetic data generation, enabli...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$161K - $265K *

Lead the charge in integrating advanced systems engineering solutions for the U.S. Army, translating operational needs into actionable strategies while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to en...

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$161K - $265K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing military systems integration. As a senior advisor, you'll engage with Army stakeholders, translating operational needs into actionable engineering solutions a...

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of thermal engineering for advanced military and commercial applications. Drive innovative solutions from concept to production, utilizing cutting-edge technologi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$62K - $140K *

Grow your career with diverse technical challenges as you collaborate with senior engineers to define, analyze, and document system requirements for multi-domain national security programs, leveraging...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $190K *

Optimize the future of automated classification systems through advanced software engineering. Leverage AI technologies within an agile environment to enhance national security information management...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead multidisciplinary projects in civil and aviation infrastructure. Drive business development, mentor junior staff, and ensure timely, quality project delivery while fost...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing bridge safety through innovative hydraulic research. Oversee lab operations, manage projects, and mentor a skilled team while developing critical design guidance for engin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$94K - $158K *

Unlock your potential as you lead complex mechanical engineering projects, utilizing CAD and FEA tools to design innovative solutions. Collaborate with experts and guide teams while ensuring project s...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$75K - $105K *

Develop and execute innovative solutions in a fast-paced R&D lab, focusing on automation, equipment maintenance, and experimental design to advance semiconductor technology and enhance operational eff...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$105K - $131K *

Transform engineering projects by leading design teams, managing deliverables, and ensuring quality standards. Collaborate across disciplines to drive project success while maintaining effective commu...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's innovating control systems for cutting-edge enrichment technology. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to develop reliable software solutions that support high-stakes projects...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by providing engineering support for complex systems integration, ensuring compliance with standards while managing interfaces and user requirements. Collaborate on assessments and te...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $105K *

Transform your career by supporting innovative automotive lighting solutions. Engage in hands-on electrical design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration to drive product development from concep...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by owning the signals that guide indexing decisions. Collaborate across teams to enhance search quality through innovative machine learning solutions and impactful data-driven strateg...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.