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 Radiation Effects Engineer
$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
$150K - $250K *
This person will bring extensive experience to work on industrial projects including design of power distribution, lighting and grounding systems.
Yesterday
$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
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer, FPGA Development
$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...
4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Data Center
$209K - $270K *
Shape the future of data center solutions by leading market opportunities, customer engagement, and strategic initiatives. This role unites innovation, technical expertise, and business growth to deli...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $148K *
Join a team that's redefining process engineering through innovative data analysis, troubleshooting, and technology implementation. Collaborate with customers and lead projects while mentoring junior...
2 days ago
$147K - $202K *
Lead the charge in optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor technologies. Collaborate with R&D teams, analyze data, and troubleshoot engineering issues to drive innovation and...
5 days ago
$147K - $202K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor technologies, collaborating with R&D teams to innovate and resolve complex engineering challenges...
6 days ago
$108K - $148K *
Join a dynamic team to optimize and design manufacturing processes in the semiconductor and display sectors. Collaborate with top experts, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement innovative technol...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $140K *
Contribute to innovative site development solutions for large-scale solar and energy storage projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance civil engineering expertise and ensure high-qu...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer - Data Center
$209K - $270K *
Lead the charge in redefining data center innovation by bridging customer needs, market opportunities, and technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate ideas into pioneering soluti...
3 weeks ago
$255K - $357K *
Champion innovation by leading the hardware development lifecycle, driving complex technical solutions, and mentoring engineers to elevate design standards across disciplines while ensuring high-volum...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Robotics Engineer, R&D Engineering Development Program
$77K - $129K *
Elevate your engineering career by joining a dynamic program focused on medical device innovation. Gain hands-on experience through functional rotations, develop technical and leadership skills, and c...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing critical thermal-mechanical components for advanced power plants. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transform thermal performance requirements into manufacturabl...
2 weeks ago
Sr Engineer, Quality Assurance Engineering
$95K - $110K *
Engage as a key quality leader in a dynamic engineering environment, driving manufacturing excellence and quality initiatives across products and processes while collaborating with cross-functional te...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $130K *
Take ownership of electrical design projects in renewable energy and building systems. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integrated designs and quality standards, while leading engine...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and optimize manufacturing processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Lead projects from inception to co...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $97K *
Join a dynamic R&D team to support medical device product design and testing. Utilize your technical skills to ensure compliance, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to innovative solutions that enhan...
2 weeks ago
Associate Staff - Signal Processing & Software Engineer
$116K - $182K *
Help us shape the future of resilient space systems by modeling and analyzing innovative digital signal processing techniques while mentoring junior staff and collaborating with world-class experts in...
Reposted yesterday
$200K - $320K *
Join a pioneering team of experts to develop innovative machine learning solutions that drive our AI capabilities, shape the research agenda, and transform real-world challenges into impactful outcome...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Research Engineer - Inference ML
$150K - $180K *
Champion cutting-edge inference research by optimizing advanced ML models on Cerebras architecture. Collaborate with experts to enhance performance through innovative techniques like pruning and spars...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
$110K - $125K *
Transform your career by leading innovative EI&C designs for water technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success while managing risks, budgets, and schedules in a dyn...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Engage in innovative mechanical design for high-capacity networking systems, ensuring reliability and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet emerging AI infrastructure need...
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.