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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$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

$108K - $162K *

Shape the future of optical engineering by designing and analyzing advanced imaging systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-performance optical solutions for critical aerospac...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential by leading mechanical design for advanced airframe structures. Collaborate on innovative projects from concept to production, ensuring robust performance in tactical environments...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in advanced hardware engineering to enhance tactical applications. Your expertise will support cutting-edge technologies like 5G and machine learning, crucial for...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your engineering career by leading complex projects and teams, utilizing your expertise in engineering principles to drive innovative solutions and foster effective relationships across multip...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$124K - $171K *

Lead the design and troubleshooting of complex electrical systems, guiding projects and junior engineers while generating specifications and test reports with minimal supervision. Collaborate on innov...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$147K - $210K *

Help us enhance cutting-edge information retrieval systems that power major platforms. Collaborate on scalable, reliable infrastructure to optimize query understanding and support advanced AI applicat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $220K *

Empower data-driven decisions by developing robust data processing pipelines, transforming complex data into valuable insights, and collaborating across teams to optimize big data handling and visuali...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Engineer innovative maritime countermeasure systems, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to design, develop, and test mechanical components. Contribute throughout the product lifecycle, ensuri...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of structural engineering by leading innovative projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with the latest codes and standards while driving effici...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $154K *

Optimize and integrate the manufacturing process for hazardous materials, taking ownership from design through commissioning. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and efficiency i...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead the mechanical design of radar sensor nodes, driving innovation from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, cost-effective solutions for outdo...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$75K - $156K *

Join a team that's redefining systems engineering through innovative methodologies and digital frameworks. You'll define and verify critical requirements while shaping system design and contributing t...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Take ownership of high-performance infrastructure by designing, implementing, and operating scalable systems in Rust or C++. Collaborate with teams to solve complex problems and enhance reliability in...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of geotechnical engineering by leading investigations, analyses, and project execution. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver innovative solutions while ensuring compliance and fo...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Lead geotechnical investigations and analyses, ensuring project success through collaboration with clients and teams. Utilize expertise to deliver tailored solutions across diverse projects, from conc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$97K - $130K *

Elevate your career by designing and developing innovative analog and digital circuits. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure product excellence through rigorous testing...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $200K *

Design and optimize avionics and control systems for aircraft, ensuring integration and testing excellence. Collaborate on innovative solutions while leading engineering activities and supporting syst...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Innovate the future of applied AI by transforming models into impactful products. Collaborate across research and development to enhance performance and deliver customer-visible improvements through r...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$112K - $187K *

Join a dynamic waste management team in a senior engineering role, leading projects and delivering sustainable solutions for diverse clients while mentoring junior staff and promoting health and safet...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to define and design life sciences manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency in facility layouts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate complex re...

Today

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

$85K - $100K *

Lead and deliver engineering projects while ensuring compliance with cGxP standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize processes and maintain high safety levels in pharmaceutical environments...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.