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.
Senior Research Engineer, Safety
$200K - $400K *
Join a team that's advancing AI safety by building reliable, controllable models for conversational agents. Collaborate across functions to transform safety challenges into scalable, production-ready...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Research Engineer, Safety
$200K - $400K *
Drive innovation in AI safety by building robust safeguards for conversational agents. Collaborate across teams to enhance model reliability and mitigate real-world risks, creating impactful solutions...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$160K - $190K *
Lead the creation of autonomous systems that enable AI agents to develop production-grade software while ensuring correctness, scalability, and reliability across various applications in a global cont...
Reposted 4 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Transform business operations by developing innovative software solutions that enhance efficiency across Finance, HR, Accounting, Payroll, and Legal functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to identif...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions that enhance business operations across various functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify needs, optimize processes, and impleme...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $195K *
Take ownership of designing automated systems and robotic equipment for remote operations in radiological environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective integration and perf...
5 days ago
$100K - $195K *
Lead the charge in designing automated systems and robotic equipment for remote operations in radiological environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and integrate solutions tha...
5 days ago
ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Space Avionics / Computing Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Engineer innovative digital electronics for space applications. Lead design, analysis and testing of high-reliability systems. Collaborate cross-functionally and support customer interfaces to deliver...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Space Avionics / Computing Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's leading innovative digital electronics design for space applications. Shape solutions for command/control systems and ensure high reliability through comprehensive lifecycle managem...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$115K - $161K *
Lead and optimize engineering deliverables for defense programs, ensuring compliance with customer requirements. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage documentation and drive initiatives from devel...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Partner with us to drive innovation in automotive lighting through hands-on mechanical design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring high-quality product development and manufacturing...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $130K *
Optimize equipment performance and processes in a dynamic R&D environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance extrusion and molding operations, ensuring efficient scaling of innovative...
Today
Research Engineer / Research Scientist, RL Frontiers
$500K+*
Advance the frontier of reinforcement learning by developing next-gen architectures and algorithms. Collaborate across research and engineering to scale models, enhance efficiency, and empower innovat...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Research Scientist, RL Frontiers
$500K+*
Empower groundbreaking advancements in reinforcement learning by architecting next-generation algorithms and scalable systems, driving research and engineering efforts to enhance throughput, stability...
3 weeks ago
Research Engineer / Research Scientist, RL Frontiers
$500K+*
Collaborate with us to scale reinforcement learning algorithms and architectures. You'll research and develop systems to enhance performance, manage large-scale runs, and optimize training efficiency...
3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - Dielectric Materials Development and Analysis
$120K - $145K *
Innovate advanced ceramic and dielectric materials for high-voltage environments. Lead projects from concept to production, balancing technical challenges with program delivery in a multidisciplinary...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Research Engineer, Agentic Security for Gemini, DeepMind
$174K - $252K *
Empower innovation by enhancing AI security and privacy capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop tools and frameworks that ensure safe, effective AI solutions while contributin...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Support client interactions by leading technical discussions, conducting live demos, and driving failure analysis. Leverage your expertise in hardware and optics to enhance product feedback and ensure...
1 week ago
Advanced Electrical Engineer R&D
$88K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement electrical control systems, enhancing R&D and manufacturing processes. Collaborate across departments to drive innovation and improve product quality while...
Reposted 4 days ago
$86K - $129K *
Contribute to innovative R&D efforts by designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and developing new technologies to drive strategic growth and enhance product offerings in priority markets...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer - ATE (Contractor)
$90K - $140K *
Join our innovative team to create and validate cutting-edge power electronics products. Drive the design process from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines to optimize per...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Product Improvement Engineering
$90K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving product excellence through technical problem-solving and continuous improvement. Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve customer quality issues and enhance pr...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's focused on leading engineering projects across various industries. Oversee design teams, ensure adherence to standards, and collaborate with clients for seamless execution of comple...
4 weeks ago
Project Engineer - Research and Development
$64K - $95K *
Empower project success by coordinating engineering efforts across multiple workstreams. Drive visibility, track deliverables, and resolve issues to ensure timely project execution while supporting te...
Today
Project Engineer - Research and Development
$64K - $95K *
Lead the execution of engineering projects by coordinating activities, tracking progress, and resolving issues. Collaborate with technical teams to ensure project commitments are met while developing...
Today
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.