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 - $100K *

Transform geotechnical project execution by managing large-scale projects, collaborating with experts, enhancing client relationships, and ensuring quality results across diverse geological environmen...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$105K - $120K *

Elevate your career by designing and improving mechanical systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency in a dynamic manufacturing environment...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $135K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of renewable energy through the design of utility-scale solar PV and battery storage systems. Collaborate with experienced engineers and drive the successful exec...

Denver, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in managing engineering projects, leveraging cutting-edge technology while fostering junior talent, enhancing business growth and ensuring compliance with design standards for transpor...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$138K - $165K *

Inspire innovation by leading a team of mechanical engineers to design cutting-edge thermal solutions for high-density systems. Drive projects from concept to production while collaborating across fun...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's responsible for innovative planning and design of complex construction projects, managing compliance and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure successful project executi...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$74K - $113K *

Engineer innovative geotechnical solutions for diverse power projects, optimizing design and consulting services. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success across domestic and...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team to support automotive lighting and electronic product development, focusing on circuit design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced R&D environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$99K - $125K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovative electrical system design for diverse projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to deliver high-quality solutions, enhance client relations, and co...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$99K - $125K *

Contribute to the design and implementation of electrical systems for diverse projects, ensuring compliance with standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative soluti...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $100K *

Join a team that's dedicated to structural design and rehabilitation, collaborating across disciplines to deliver high-quality engineering solutions. This role offers opportunities for leadership and...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $140K *

Advance the design and execution of electrical systems for high-tech facilities, ensuring compliance and innovation. Lead projects that integrate cutting-edge technology while mentoring junior staff a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$90K - $140K *

Join a team that's redefining electrical engineering in high-tech industries. Lead design efforts for advanced facilities, ensuring compliance and innovation while mentoring junior staff and collabora...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $163K *

Oversee complex electrical engineering projects, ensuring design safety and compliance while mentoring junior engineers. Leverage expertise in power systems and innovative technologies to drive projec...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Join our team to drive innovative mechanical engineering solutions for a landmark military campus project, ensuring optimal performance and collaboration across stakeholders while supporting the deliv...

2 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading mechanical engineering efforts for a high-profile military training campus. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of modern dormitory faciliti...

2 weeks ago

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

$85K - $100K *

Analyze and support customer process validation through hands-on testing, collaborate with sales and engineering teams, and assist with equipment commissioning to optimize industrial process systems...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to support sales with technical testing and process validation. Conduct evaluations, prepare reports, and collaborate on optimized solutions while ensuring lab safety and cleanline...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Provide expert design and consultation for innovative water resources projects, collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with standards while maintaining project timelines and quality...

San Juan, PRRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative solutions for spacecraft radiation effects ensuring robust design and validation through testing, analysis, and collaboration within a dynamic engineering team. Drive success from...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Develop and implement spacecraft radiation hardness assurance plans, conduct testing, and partner with teams for mitigation strategies, ensuring robust design and validation for trained Engineers in h...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $90K *

Engage in cross-functional collaboration to drive New Product Introductions, optimize component performance, ensure quality improvements, and support engineering transitions from design to production...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $150K *

Architect robust AI infrastructure to detect and mitigate emerging threats. Drive innovation in data ingestion and model tuning while managing complex pipelines in a high-stakes environment that evolv...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by architecting advanced AI infrastructure to combat emerging threats, enhancing detection capabilities, and ensuring real-time adaptability. Collaborate in a high-stakes environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $220K *

Unlock your potential as a Senior FPGA Developer, leading the architecture and implementation of cutting-edge FPGA systems for spacecraft, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver hi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.