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.
$120K - $145K *
Contribute to innovative design solutions for medium- and low-voltage systems, ensuring quality and compliance in electrical engineering projects within aerospace applications as a Principal Engineer...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $152K *
Shape innovative engineering solutions by designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and apply technical expertise to enhance product perform...
Yesterday
$101K - $152K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that designs and improves engineering systems. Utilize your expertise to analyze, develop, and manage projects while ensuring quality and compliance in a fas...
4 days ago
$111K - $167K *
Join a dynamic team to design, analyze, and improve engineering systems while managing projects and ensuring compliance with standards. Utilize your expertise to tackle complex challenges and drive in...
4 days ago
$101K - $152K *
Transform engineering concepts into reality by designing, analyzing, and improving systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and ensure compliance through effective communication and prob...
5 days ago
$91K - $137K *
Contribute to innovative engineering solutions by designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems. Collaborate on projects, manage field visits, and apply your expertise to enhance product perf...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Drive innovation by owning production systems that enhance appliance repair efficiency, leveraging cutting-edge AI to optimize diagnostics and service calls. Collaborate closely with engineers to rapi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Transform customer interactions with cutting-edge AI, optimize workflows and enhance service efficiency while collaborating with tech and business teams to deliver impactful software solutions in real...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Chief Engineer (Principal Engineer)
$180K - $220K *
Take ownership of a critical AI domain, architecting systems and directly coding. Collaborate with a shared leadership team, driving impactful outcomes while shaping the technical future of a profitab...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of beverage technology by leading design, development, and testing of innovative equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and developing innovative beverage equipment. Lead projects from concept to production, utilizing advanced technologies and collaborating acro...
Yesterday
Research Engineer -- Vision and Vision-Language Models
$135K - $160K *
Drive innovation in vision-language models by contributing to end-to-end development, from data sourcing to performance optimization. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle complex challenges in im...
6 days ago
Research Engineer, Gemini Information Retrieval, DeepMind
$174K - $252K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative AI solutions through research and engineering. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deploy advanced machine learning models, enhancing user exp...
1 week ago
Staff Engineering Science Specialist
$107K - $130K *
Lead cross-functional teams to enhance weapons performance analysis and database management, ensuring effective integration of technology into WMD/HDBT programs while supporting decision-making throug...
5 days ago
Lead Network Systems Researcher
$180K - $230K *
Empower your career by leading advanced networking and ML systems projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate mission needs into actionable plans, ensuring high-quality, secure, an...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of engineering by designing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for diverse projects. Collaborate with clients and teams from initial field visits to successful construction co...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Collaborate with clients and project teams to design and develop HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for diverse commercial and institutional projects, ensuring successful project completion from i...
2 weeks ago
$161K - $241K *
Transform advanced tool design and structural optimization by leading a dynamic engineering team. Drive excellence through mentorship, compliance, and collaboration, ensuring innovative solutions meet...
6 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative memory and learning research. Shape groundbreaking experiments and algorithms that improve AI capabilities and enrich product offerings for top tech c...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by providing expert technical support for IT Test and Evaluation. Collaborate on test methodologies, execute plans, and analyze data to ensure software reliability and compliance in...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $150K *
Unlock innovative solutions in industrial automation by developing concepts, building prototypes, and collaborating across teams. This hands-on role requires expertise in mechanical design, controls...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining industrial automation by developing innovative solutions through hands-on engineering, prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration to tackle real-world challenges in...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $150K *
Shape the future of industrial automation by developing innovative solutions. Collaborate across teams to transform concepts into prototypes, leveraging mechanical, electrical, and software expertise...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $120K *
Lead the charge in structural engineering projects, enhancing design execution, fostering client relationships, and mentoring while advancing technical and leadership skills for long-term career growt...
Reposted yesterday
$94K - $140K *
Elevate manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and improving energetics processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards...
1 week 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.