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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$160K - $500K+*

Help us define, design, and validate power architecture for AI data centers, driving innovation in power efficiency and system performance. Collaborate across teams to bring cutting-edge solutions fro...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $500K+*

Drive innovative power solutions for cutting-edge AI data centers, managing power architecture from rack to chip. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure efficiency and performance in high-power desi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$72K - $115K *

Join a dynamic team as you collaborate on innovative electrical designs, progressing from basic tasks to complex projects while ensuring quality and efficiency in a supportive environment...

CanadaRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $150K *

Grow your career with a hands-on role in designing and testing innovative thermal systems for diverse applications, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to drive impactful national security proj...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of transit systems by leading a team to develop cutting-edge mapping and localization solutions for embedded camera systems, driving successful collaboration across technology dom...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Engineer innovative materials for cutting-edge nuclear microreactor applications. Lead testing and qualification processes, ensuring optimal performance of moderator and reflector materials in a dynam...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Champion the development of innovative modeling capabilities to enhance our advanced simulation framework, collaborating with engineers to integrate numerical methods and apply machine learning for mo...

Seattle, WARemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$117K - $235K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge embedded systems for national security. Collaborate with experts to design, integrate, and test innovative software and ha...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Engage with our dynamic engineering team as you design and model innovative refrigerant and water piping systems using Solidworks, ensuring precision in product documentation and lifecycle management...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic R&D team to lead chemistry initiatives, ensure deliverables, train staff, and enhance projects through innovative method development and client collaboration. Drive significant impact o...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $155K *

Lead and mentor engineering teams in developing hydraulic actuation devices for aerospace applications. Drive project objectives, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and deliver innovative soluti...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$147K - $202K *

Transform complex mechanical challenges into innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in design, development, and implementation. Collaborate with teams to enhance product life cycles and ens...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$124K - $171K *

Engineer innovative mechanical solutions by leveraging your expertise in physics and materials science. Design, develop, and implement custom tooling while ensuring compliance with industry standards...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $160K *

Innovate manufacturing processes and documentation for high-quality production, ensuring smooth transitions from prototype to full-rate. Collaborate with engineering to boost efficiency and drive cont...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of mechanical engineering by designing robust enclosures and thermal solutions for mission-critical systems. Lead full lifecycle design while collaborating with cross-functional t...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of the full accounts payable process, ensuring accuracy and compliance while collaborating across teams to enhance systems and drive efficiency during our growth phase...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$89K - $115K *

Drive innovative mechanical design solutions for laser systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, conduct modeling, and execute testing protocols, ensuring high...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative GN&C solutions for lunar missions, providing technical leadership and driving system performance from design to flight operations, while collaborating across multidisciplinary team...

Madison, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of spacecraft GN&C system performance from design to flight operations, driving architecture, algorithm development, and team collaboration to ensure mission success in advanced lunar o...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $181K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and supporting mission-critical systems globally. Leverage your software engineering expertise to enhance production services and collaborate across teams to...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$112K - $196K *

Elevate your career by transitioning established practices to DevOps delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software reliability and delivery for high-profile satellite communica...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$112K - $196K *

Elevate your career by collaborating with cross-functional teams to transition software delivery from waterfall to DevOps. Drive innovation in satellite communications systems while ensuring quality a...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$148K - $266K *

Build mission-critical information systems globally by designing, developing, and supporting software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performance w...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$113K - $125K *

Innovate concrete engineering solutions to enhance construction operations, ensuring high-quality support throughout project life cycles. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver optimal designs and...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Engage in environmental investigations and assessments, ensuring compliance with regulations. Analyze and recommend remediation strategies while collaborating on projects of varying complexity and sco...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

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.