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.
$126K - $180K *
Drive customer success by bridging technical solutions and business needs. As a key advisor, you'll optimize product adoption and translate complex requirements into scalable strategies, ensuring clie...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Engineer, Controls
$140K - $200K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating energy solutions through advanced instrumentation and control systems. You'll engage in design, commissioning, and collaboration across engineering disciplin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Surface Ships
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to provide engineering support for Auxiliary Machinery Systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance through testing, troubleshooting, and system assessments in a naval envi...
4 days ago
Engineer II, Flight Test (R6222)
$92K - $140K *
Join the charge in advancing unmanned aircraft systems by supporting integration, verification, and validation of cutting-edge autonomy technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize environmental assessments and remediation strategies to ensure compliance with regulations. Collaborate with a diverse team to deliver high-quality projects while mentoring junior staff and e...
1 week ago
$70K - $130K *
Unlock potential by researching, designing, and testing advanced electronic systems, including radar and communications equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensur...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Advance manufacturing capabilities by supporting the Army's Industrial Base team in emerging technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges and enhance production processes...
5 days ago
$140K - $160K *
Drive impactful electrical design initiatives across diverse projects, mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create integrated solutions for healthcare, academic...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $190K *
Advance your career by leading electrical design for major projects, including healthcare and data centers, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery and in...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Innovate your career with a Senior Structural Engineer role, focusing on design, investigation, and rehabilitation of building structures. Collaborate with diverse clients and lead a team while ensuri...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer I, AI/Data Science
$127K - $155K *
Contribute to groundbreaking biological research by designing, deploying, and optimizing advanced machine learning models for image analysis and multiomic data interpretation, collaborating across mul...
Reposted 6 days ago
$165K - $210K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of ruggedized directed-energy systems. Own major mechanical subsystems from design to production, collaborating with engineers to create field-deployable hardware...
Today
Power Systems Engineer, Hardware in Loop
$110K - $130K *
Advance the future of energy storage by developing and validating power system models and control strategies for grid-connected and off-grid applications, ensuring optimal performance and integration...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, RF Sensor Productization
$150K - $200K *
Lead the mechanical design and productization of advanced RF geolocation sensors. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create rugged, manufacturable solutions for outdoor environments, ensuring...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Director, Mining & Metals
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of commercial strategy development, driving growth through market research, customer acquisition, and cross-team collaboration. Shape stakeholder partnerships and...
Yesterday
$112K - $144K *
Elevate transportation infrastructure by leading construction projects, supervising engineers, and ensuring compliance with standards. This role is vital for delivering quality engineering solutions a...
1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of aerospace innovation, designing and testing cutting-edge electronic systems for ground support equipment. Collaborate with experts to ensure the success of NASA...
1 week ago
Manufacturing Engineer, Spacecraft Avionics
$140K - $205K *
Engage cross-functional teams to oversee avionics production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality hardware for spacecraft. Drive project execution and coordinate efforts across engineering, manuf...
Today
$120K - $210K *
Unlock your potential in satellite design by collaborating closely with teams to create robust mechanical structures. Experience hands-on involvement in every phase, from CAD modeling to testing fligh...
3 weeks ago
Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
$118K - $180K *
Unlock your potential as a Project Lead Structural Engineer, guiding a team through diverse projects while applying your expertise in structural design and analysis. Collaborate with clients and mento...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Discover your potential as a Geotechnical Engineer, driving impactful projects in civil infrastructure. Utilize your expertise in soil mechanics and design to analyze and influence construction outcom...
4 weeks ago
$127K - $166K *
Engineer innovative mechanical solutions, managing projects from concept to production. Collaborate with teams to enhance product design, conduct tests, and ensure compliance, driving improvements and...
6 days ago
$87K - $114K *
Join a dynamic team to manage mechanical engineering projects from concept to production, ensuring timely implementation and compliance. Collaborate on design improvements, conduct tests, and provide...
1 week ago
Mining Engineer - Senior Level (Hybrid/Remote)
$130K - $148K *
Take ownership of multidisciplinary mining engineering projects, leading complex studies while integrating technical, financial, and permitting analyses to enhance project value. Ensure timely deliver...
3 weeks ago
Mining Engineer - Senior Level (Hybrid/Remote)
$130K - $148K *
Launch your career as a senior mining engineer, leading multidisciplinary teams in delivering comprehensive technical studies. Manage projects safely on schedule and budget, while optimizing client ne...
3 weeks ago
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.