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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$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of our Roadway practice by leading multi-state initiatives, managing client relationships, and driving business development in the Ohio River Valley. Collaborate with teams to deliver...

1 week ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $130K *

Contribute to the design and implementation of advanced water treatment systems, leading multi-discipline teams and mentoring junior engineers. Drive projects from concept to completion, ensuring comp...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$75K - $105K *

Grow your career with a key role in designing and validating advanced power solutions, leading projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and reliability in...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$91K - $137K *

Drive innovation as a Systems Engineer, collaborating across teams to transform national defense capabilities through advanced engineering practices and model-based solutions, ensuring integration and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate customer delivery by integrating AI-first logistics solutions into defense frameworks, while leading technical partnerships. Collaborate across teams to streamline operations, troubleshoot iss...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the technical integration of our AI-driven logistics platform with key public sector clients. Collaborate closely with customer teams to optimize workflows, ensure seamless deployments, and enhan...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geotechnical engineering by leading innovative projects in earth structures and foundations. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to ensure safe infrastruct...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $220K *

Champion innovative AI research in wearable technology, leading a team to define strategies and drive impactful projects that enhance human-computer interaction through advanced biosignal interpretati...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Lead innovative AI research initiatives focused on wearable technology, driving the scientific agenda and shaping next-gen capabilities through collaboration and mentorship within a high-performing te...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$152K - $229K *

Shape the future by leading complex electrical design for advanced flight control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration and performance, while mentoring engineers and...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$101K - $206K *

Take ownership of environmental testing for Talon-A hypersonic vehicle, ensuring data accuracy, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and validating test plans. Play a vital role in tracking and e...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Advance environmental engineering solutions by leading site investigations, conducting analyses, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with teams to design systems and prepare technica...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$147K - $210K *

Advance your career by developing innovative solutions for self-maintaining codebases, enhancing AI-driven productivity, and collaborating with global teams to drive technical excellence and project s...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join our dynamic engineering team to lead electrical project execution, influence design strategies, and engage with customers on cutting-edge defense programs throughout the entire project lifecycle...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$175K - $215K *

Join a dynamic team to lead mechanical integration of ruggedized electronics into military platforms. Drive design from concept to production, ensuring compliance with military standards while collabo...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Help us advance fusion power by supporting electrical energy management systems, focusing on high voltage systems, power electronics, and low voltage control, expanding your expertise while solving re...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Optimize sample processing workflows using FEI/Thermo Fisher Helios SEM tools. Collaborate with lab management and support continuous improvements while ensuring quality standards are met for SEM imag...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Champion transformative engineering practices by leading high-performing teams, fostering innovation, and driving continuous improvement while ensuring the successful execution of complex projects acr...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Innovate by designing and owning mechanisms for a cutting-edge ground terminal. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure precision and manufacturability, driving projects from concept to prod...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by leading structural design and project coordination for industrial and utility projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful project execution from design to completion...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $130K *

Drive innovation in medical device manufacturing by optimizing catheter and balloon processes. Leverage your expertise to enhance production efficiency, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with in...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative design by decoding creativity and evaluating visual excellence. Collaborate closely with engineers and researchers to elevate product interfaces, crafting a high-quality design fra...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$79K - $118K *

Unlock potential by contributing to the development of advanced electro-optical infrared subsystems, collaborating with engineers to analyze performance, manage requirements, and ensure successful int...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in parking structure design and project management. Oversee and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams tackling architectural and civil engineering projects, ensurin...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$130K - $180K *

Empower the future of hydropower by delivering innovative mechanical engineering solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement projects that enhance water resources and i...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.