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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$153K - $190K *

Champion the growth of our Construction Engineering Practice, leveraging structural engineering expertise to support contractors and manage complex projects while fostering collaborative relationships...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$79K - $119K *

Transform manufacturing processes by designing innovative tooling solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and drive continuous improvement initiatives in a...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Drive the successful delivery of mineral processing projects by coordinating schedules, budgets, and documentation across engineering disciplines, ensuring projects stay on track from concept to const...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$74K - $130K *

Join a team that's developing mission-critical software in a fast-paced Agile environment. Collaborate to create, test, and enhance enterprise applications, utilizing Java and modern technologies to d...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $145K *

Take ownership of mechanical design for next-gen energy storage systems, focusing on thermal, fluid, and structural subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative solutions an...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Innovate and enhance existing technologies by developing cutting-edge LabVIEW applications, automating calibration routines, and optimizing software for improved performance and user experience...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Partner with us to drive successful project execution in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely delivery of key projects while maintaining quality and com...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of mechanical engineering projects by leveraging your design expertise and project management skills to deliver innovative solutions across various industries, while collaborating wit...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $135K *

Take ownership of engineering projects from kick-off to handover, leading design efforts for automated storage solutions while collaborating with clients and internal teams to ensure timely and budget...

Romeoville, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $130K *

Advance your career by providing innovative structural design solutions for industrial projects. Collaborate with a dynamic engineering team to deliver impactful results across North America, enhancin...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by supporting project management through scheduling, vendor coordination, and quality control. Play a key role in ensuring project success while enhancing communication and docum...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$117K - $145K *

Accelerate progress at a dynamic firm by leveraging advanced engineering skills to assess and mitigate infrastructure risks in the energy sector while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and co...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$145K - $195K *

Lead thermal design and integration for orbital platforms, managing requirements and overseeing hardware from concept to launch. Mentor junior engineers while driving innovation and excellence in ther...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $246K *

Advance your career by tackling complex challenges in innovative engineering. Join us to leverage your expertise in functional verification tools to ensure the integrity of cutting-edge digital system...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Engage in groundbreaking electrical system design for innovative HVAC products. Collaborate in product development from concept to validation, enhancing reliability and efficiency while adhering to sa...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Champion innovative product development by leading design projects, engaging with customers, and collaborating across teams to deliver high-quality surgical instruments and implants while ensuring com...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $195K *

Analyze thermal design and integration for orbital platforms, managing requirements and overseeing hardware from concept to launch. Mentor junior engineers while contributing to proposals and ensuring...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $195K *

Elevate thermal design and integration for orbital platforms, managing requirements and guiding projects from concept to launch while mentoring junior engineers and enhancing team capabilities...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Contribute to the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and engage with clients to deliver...

Rancho Cordova, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the design and analysis of water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and innovation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions that enhance community serv...

Oakland, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Engage in the design and analysis of vital water infrastructure projects. Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring junior engineers...

Riverside, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Empower communities by leading innovative water infrastructure projects. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you'll design and analyze critical facilities, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing RF pre-ionization technology for fusion generators. Drive experimental design, execution, and performance optimization to achieve cutting-edge plasma systems while collabo...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$140K - $180K *

Optimize cutting-edge RF test systems for satellite payloads. Manage test methodologies, equipment, and quality assurance to ensure reliable performance across production and complex hardware environm...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $180K *

Drive innovation by leading RF test engineering efforts for satellite payloads. Own test systems, collaborate with design teams, and ensure high-quality production through robust testing and automatio...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.