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.
Lead Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Drive innovative structural engineering solutions by leading a team in the design and analysis of nuclear facility structures. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to ensure high-quali...
1 week ago
Lead Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$134K - $205K *
Empower a team of structural engineers to design innovative solutions for nuclear facilities. Lead projects, mentor talent, and collaborate across disciplines to enhance safety and efficiency in struc...
1 week ago
Senior Environmental Engineer/Professional
$89K - $117K *
Analyze complex environmental projects and drive innovative solutions through consulting services, risk assessments, and mentorship within a collaborative team dedicated to sustainability across diver...
3 weeks ago
Senior Environmental Engineer/Professional
$89K - $117K *
Champion impactful environmental projects by leading assessments, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance while driving sustainable solutions in renewable energy and climate resilience sectors. Join...
3 weeks ago
Senior Environmental Engineer/Professional
$89K - $117K *
Discover an exciting opportunity to provide senior environmental consulting, leading complex projects that address critical issues in the environment, renewable energies, and climate change, while fos...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative mechanical engineering projects in water and wastewater treatment. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure quality and efficiency while managing design revie...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Drive innovation in electrical engineering by enhancing plant control systems, troubleshooting complex electrical issues, and leading automation projects to optimize production efficiency and reliabil...
2 weeks ago
Principal Electrical Engineer, High Voltage Power Electronics for Motor Drives
$210K - $325K *
Lead the charge in designing high voltage motor drives for aerospace applications. This hands-on role involves architecture, analysis, and collaboration across teams to deliver innovative power electr...
1 week ago
$98K - $305K *
Transform robotic solutions by integrating software and hardware, ensuring reliable deployment and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and optimize systems across navigati...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $350K *
Unlock your potential by shaping our evolving product from 0-1. Collaborate across the stack, understand customer needs, and innovate through direct user feedback, building a roadmap that defines our...
Reposted today
$115K - $125K *
Shape the future of data engineering by leading a team to design and implement innovative data solutions that enhance analytics, governance, and compliance, while fostering a culture of collaboration...
Reposted today
Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality mechanical engineering projects. Take ownership of medium to high complexity assignments, guiding clients and teams toward successful project ou...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Shape the future of engineering projects by leading design and evaluation phases, ensuring compliance and quality while fostering client relationships and team collaboration throughout the project lif...
Yesterday
$94K - $120K *
Innovate compliance strategies and environmental practices at our mill, ensuring adherence to regulations, permitting processes, and sustainability initiatives while fostering community awareness and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $165K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clean energy through innovative fuel performance analyses, modeling, and simulation, ensuring the reliability of next-generation reactor fuels while collabora...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $165K *
Drive innovative fuel performance analysis to optimize design and support advanced fission solutions. Collaborate across teams, develop methodologies, and document findings to contribute to our clean...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering, overseeing a skilled team to ensure project success through quality, budget, and scheduling management while driving innovative solutions across multidiscipl...
Reposted 4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Manage and lead a team of structural engineers, delivering quality projects on time and within budget while resolving technical issues across multidisciplinary environments to achieve project goals...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Advance your career by owning the optical subsystem design and integration for high-power directed energy systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions in a fast-p...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$74K - $102K *
Drive your career with an Applications Engineer role, collaborating with customers to design innovative solutions, perform structural calculations, and contribute to new product development while ensu...
2 weeks ago
Entry Level Structural Engineer
$80K *
Engage in structural design and inspections for diverse transportation projects, ensuring quality standards while collaborating with a dedicated team across the Midwest. Take ownership of innovative s...
Reposted 3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in technical project management for energy initiatives. Oversee installations, ensure quality, and drive projects from kickoff to completion while building critical partnerships and im...
3 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff - Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI by engineering robust systems for environment simulation, enabling the training of autonomous agents in complex settings. Join a dynamic founding team focused on tackling challe...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Engineer innovative electrical designs for large-scale projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with teams to deliver on schedule while enhancing sustainable practices and mentoring juni...
1 week ago
Staff Mechanical Engineer, Sustainment
$114K - $165K *
Shape the future of energy by enhancing product reliability and performance. Collaborate across teams to drive design improvements and cost reductions while managing multiple engineering projects in a...
Yesterday
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.