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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$85K - $120K *

Shape your career by leading project teams and fostering client relationships while delivering high-quality engineering solutions. Join us to drive innovative design and mentor a dedicated team in the...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of cutting-edge on-policy reinforcement learning algorithms for robotics, ensuring high success rates in real-world deployments while shaping a pioneering c...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge robotic policies that ensure success rates of 99.99%. Collaborate within a small, innovative team focused on creating industry-leading applications for real...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

The Principal AI Research Engineer - RL will focus on creating robust robot policies for Reflex Robotics, a startup developing affordable humanoid robots for manufacturing and logistics. The role requ...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $115K *

Advance the development of EV charging infrastructure by supporting project management activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring project controls are effectively maintained a...

Los Angeles, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $115K *

Advance the development of EV charging infrastructure by supporting project management activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and utilizing project control tools to ensure successful s...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Optimize project outcomes by leading technical excellence across multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring effective communication and cost management throughout all project phases to drive profitabi...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $201K *

Lead the design and delivery of complex electrical systems for energy and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers and managing project execution acros...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving excellence in construction engineering and inspection. Lead high-performing teams, optimize project outcomes, and build lasting client relationships while making a significa...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Elevate the critical minerals supply chain by leading mechanical engineering projects. Drive innovative refining processes and ensure optimal equipment design and performance while collaborating with...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$134K - $201K *

Drive your career with a senior role overseeing complex electrical systems for energy and infrastructure projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure design quality, and mentor junior engineers whil...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $160K *

Join a team that develops advanced navigation algorithms, ensuring seamless integration from simulations to embedded platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize technical solutions...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of automation by leading complex electrical design projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions in industrial automation, ensuring high perfor...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $170K *

Elevate infrastructure integrity by leading structural design for water and wastewater projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, resilience, and long-term performance across...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Elevate your R&D career by tackling complex tissue converting challenges. This hands-on role involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance p...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Drive capital and continuous improvement projects, enhancing safety and productivity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage engineering solutions from concept to startup, ensuring complian...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $95K *

Drive the growth of our engineering team, supporting innovative solutions in a collaborative setting to meet diverse customer needs within the manufacturing sector. Play a key role in estimating, quot...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $250K *

Transform the future of radar technology by designing advanced signal processing algorithms. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance airborne radar systems, ensuring optimal performance a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving innovative civil engineering solutions across diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional design, permitting, and management services t...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$75K - $90K *

Join a team that's transforming civil engineering projects through innovative design and management. Engage in diverse tasks including site design, permitting, and construction management while ensuri...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing electrical engineering solutions for water and wastewater projects, ensuring quality and efficiency while coordinating with diverse teams and clients to deliver on schedul...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$103K - $181K *

Shape the future of aviation infrastructure by leading engineering projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving technical excellence in low voltage power distribution systems across div...

Today

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

$88K - $105K *

Pioneer solutions for complex missile seeker systems, collaborating with diverse teams to design, develop, and verify software solutions while ensuring compliance with performance and safety standards...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$136K - $190K *

Create innovative mechanical designs for custom robotics configurations, collaborating with engineers to iterate and validate designs through simulation and physical testing, ensuring optimal performa...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $210K *

Partner with us to define and own the architecture of large-scale machine learning systems, driving innovation and reliability across diverse product areas while mentoring engineers and influencing th...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.