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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$163K - $224K *

Drive innovation by optimizing manufacturing processes in semiconductor and display technologies. Collaborate with R&D teams to troubleshoot complex engineering issues, analyze data, and implement new...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$124K - $171K *

Engage in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes, analyzing data, and troubleshooting complex engineering issues. Collaborate with R&D teams and vendors to implement new technologies in the...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$124K - $171K *

Drive innovation in manufacturing processes by designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex systems in semiconductor and display technologies, collaborating with R&D teams and vendors to enhance...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $300K *

Take ownership of building user-focused AI products as a full-stack Product Engineer. Drive technical direction, design APIs, and integrate AI capabilities while collaborating with cross-functional te...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$105K - $148K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative structural designs for critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, resilience, and long-ter...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$79K - $118K *

Join a dynamic team as you evaluate and enhance the structural integrity of rocket motor components, collaborating with engineers to drive innovation in solid rocket motor design and analysis for defe...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development and optimization of innovative electrochemical cell architectures, driving research from concept to production while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance efficiency and dur...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in enhancing manufacturing processes, driving efficiency and productivity while managing a team of engineers. Collaborate across departments to implement innovative solutions and ensur...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$124K - $171K *

Drive your career with impactful process engineering solutions. Engage in complex problem-solving, data analysis, and vendor partnerships while leading project teams and supporting junior colleagues i...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$84K - $90K *

Innovate mechanical solutions by leveraging CAD expertise and collaboration. Drive product development through design, analysis, and project oversight while enhancing manufacturability and maintaining...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Empower operational excellence by leading building systems maintenance, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and enhancing tenant comfort through hands-on technical expertise in high-rise enviro...

1 week ago

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

$130K - $155K *

Champion innovative technical solutions by guiding engineering teams, conducting design reviews, and enhancing system performance through microservices and containerization. Drive reliability and mana...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $103K *

Help us enhance semiconductor reliability by developing and validating stress hardware. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to deliver robust solutions across diverse technologies, ensuring qua...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$75K - $103K *

Drive continuous improvement in Reliability Operations, integrating advanced technologies while ensuring on-time product qualification in a collaborative and innovative environment focused on efficien...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$155K - $224K *

Lead the design and deployment of advanced thermal processing equipment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient manufacturing integration and process stability in high-volume en...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$93K - $144K *

Join a team that's redefining structural engineering by designing innovative building systems. Collaborate with architects and engineers to create sustainable solutions from concept to construction, e...

1 week ago

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

$180K - $228K *

Drive innovation by owning system-level electrical designs for advanced semiconductor equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and performance, shaping the future of e...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $245K *

Unlock potential by providing technical leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Lead complex initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive process standardization to enhance yield and efficienc...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Help us shape the future by using your geotechnical engineering expertise to manage diverse projects across infrastructure and environmental domains. Expand your skills while contributing to essential...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $130K *

Champion energy infrastructure by leading civil engineering design projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior engineers to deliver quality utility and renewable energy...

4 weeks ago

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

$100K - $130K *

Join us to lead civil engineering design for innovative utility and renewable energy projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality infrastructure development while mentoring the next generat...

4 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Take ownership of developing software and machine learning for dexterous robotic manipulation, transforming research into reliable capabilities through hands-on experiments and collaboration with engi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$255K - $357K *

Lead the architectural vision for advanced connectivity systems in FPV drones, integrating RF, embedded, and electrical design to create robust, field-ready solutions. Collaborate across teams to tran...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$75K - $113K *

Optimize production processes and drive efficiency improvements in a hands-on role. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, implement automation, and enhance quality in a dynamic manufacturing...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $108K *

Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring product quality through comprehensive analysis and continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain standards and implement effectiv...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.