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.
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of industrial automation by designing innovative hardware solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge products, ensuring compliance and optimizing d...
2 weeks ago
Process Engineer - Solids and Energy
$71K - $105K *
Transform your career by joining a dynamic team focused on biosolids projects. Collaborate with local and regional experts to enhance wastewater processes and drive innovative solutions in environment...
2 weeks ago
$79K - $119K *
Champion innovative mechanical engineering solutions in undersea systems. Collaborate on design, analysis, and testing of advanced hardware while enhancing your skills in a dynamic team environment fo...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Electrical Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Drive innovative solutions in electrical engineering for nuclear power projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, analyze, and enhance electrical systems, ensuring reliability and c...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative structural engineering solutions. Oversee project design from concept to completion, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior staff and collabora...
2 weeks ago
Process Engineer - Solids and Energy
$71K - $105K *
Unlock potential by supporting biosolids projects through data analysis, process modeling, and innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance wastewater treatment processes and develop into a...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer (Senior-Staff), Power Systems
$135K - $250K *
Lead the design and development of spacecraft electrical power systems, ensuring reliability and performance across multiple programs. Drive technical decisions and collaborate with cross-functional t...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer (Senior-Staff), Power Systems
$135K - $250K *
Design and lead spacecraft electrical power systems, ensuring reliability and performance across missions. Drive architecture decisions, conduct reviews, and mentor engineers while collaborating with...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineer - Industrial/Manufacturing
$95K - $115K *
Drive investigations into industrial incidents, analyzing safety protocols and equipment failures. Collaborate with experts to produce clear reports and provide expert testimony, leveraging your exten...
2 weeks ago
Project Engineer, Electrical Equipment
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of injection equipment design by managing projects that enhance reliability, safety, and compliance. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure operational excellence wh...
6 days ago
Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer (Electrical)
$154K - $215K *
Transform supplier quality by leading initiatives for engineering transitions, production scalability, and ongoing improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive quality enhancements a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative solutions in civil design for mining projects, driving project management, business development, and technical excellence while mentoring junior staff and collaborating across disc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the design, implementation, and training of advanced power system automation and protection solutions, ensuring high-quality project delivery while mentoring staff and fost...
2 weeks ago
$86K - $143K *
Discover your potential as an Optical Engineer, shaping advanced imaging systems for surgical robotics. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance optical engineering for the future of healthcare, maki...
3 weeks ago
$86K - $143K *
Design and develop custom optics for surgical robotics, enhancing imaging systems and consumables. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout all phases, from concept to implementation, ensuri...
3 weeks ago
$117K - $195K *
Pioneer innovative GNC solutions for spacecraft missions, conducting analysis, design, and testing of algorithms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and mentor junior engin...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Pioneer innovative electrical designs and product development, leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions. Engage in prototyping, testing, integration, and troubleshooting to pus...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $175K *
Advance your career by developing innovative electronic solutions for quantum instruments. Oversee PCB design from concept to production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quali...
5 days ago
$158K - $295K *
Unlock innovative solutions by leading technical teams to develop user-focused products. Drive AI strategy, foster continuous learning, and ensure technical governance while solving complex challenges...
1 week ago
$158K - $295K *
Elevate your career by leading the development of innovative AI-driven tax and accounting solutions. Drive technical direction, mentor engineers, and shape the future of scalable, resilient software e...
1 week ago
Senior Principal Mission Engineer
$153K - $190K *
Join a team that's empowering the U.S. Air Force's Big Safari mission by providing expert mission engineering support for advanced Electromagnetic Battle Management systems and enhancing cross-platfor...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage with innovative simulation software development, solving complex engineering challenges and enhancing features for a global user base while collaborating with expert teams for impactful results...
3 weeks ago
Senior Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering projects, collaborating with a dynamic team to design and analyze structures for nuclear facilities. Utilize advanced software and guide junior engineers whil...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
$100K - $152K *
Shape the future of clean energy by leading structural engineering projects. Collaborate with a dynamic team, mentor junior engineers, and apply your expertise in nuclear facility design and analysis...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform project outcomes by leading electrical engineering efforts from planning to execution. Collaborate with teams to design, manage, and oversee projects, ensuring compliance with industry stand...
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.