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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$80K - $100K *

Join us to support the hands-on development of satellite avionics hardware by assembling, testing, and debugging prototypes, ensuring robust engineering practices and a smooth hardware qualification c...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $220K *

Join us to build cutting-edge ML infrastructure for autonomous perception systems, enhancing training and data platforms across defense technology. Collaborate with engineering teams to innovate and o...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$79K - $110K *

Elevate your career by developing cutting-edge simulation software that bridges modeling and autonomy systems. Collaborate with experienced engineers to create robust solutions in a dynamic, hands-on...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with a pivotal role in structural analysis for aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges, ensuring the integrity of advanced propulsion...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $200K *

Shape the future of geotechnical engineering by leading projects, mentoring teams, and fostering client relationships. Drive technical excellence while tackling complex challenges and contributing to...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$102K - $199K *

Innovate in a pivotal role as the System Electrical Lead, driving electrical engineering efforts for national security. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and test advanced systems, e...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$87K - $133K *

Drive improvements in manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency and safety. Oversee technical support, process optimization, and cost reduction initiatives. Collaborate on new product implementatio...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$79K - $105K *

Join our team to lead complex electrical design projects in industrial and biotech sectors. Collaborate with engineers and architects to develop innovative solutions, ensuring efficient power distribu...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$118K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing electrical engineering solutions across diverse projects, from power plant retrofits to renewable energy installations. Collaborate with experts to tackle com...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Shape the future of electrical engineering by leading innovative projects in power generation and industrial facilities. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, troubleshoot, and optimize electrica...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading electrical engineering projects in power generation and industrial facilities. Collaborate with teams to design, troubleshoot, and optimize electrical systems while ensurin...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$118K - $180K *

Elevate your career by leading electrical engineering projects in power generation and industrial facilities. Collaborate with teams to design, troubleshoot, and optimize electrical systems while ensu...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$78K - $117K *

Optimize electrical PCB design and packaging for global actuation products, ensuring cost-efficiency while maintaining quality. Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to validate, test...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Champion geotechnical excellence by leading project reviews, developing designs, and conducting safety inspections for civil projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and...

4 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in designing and commissioning test stands for aircraft components, ensuring compliance with industry standards while effectively managing customer relationships and enhancing operatio...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$105K - $120K *

Lead and manage moderately complex new product introduction projects, ensuring alignment between customer needs and manufacturing readiness through disciplined planning and execution. Collaborate with...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$124K - $151K *

Unlock potential by integrating quality principles into the design and development of innovative electronic and semiconductor products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust quality...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Tackle complex mechanical challenges by designing and building advanced power-generation subsystems. Collaborate on system integration and rapid prototyping in a fast-paced environment, ensuring desig...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$74K - $130K *

Lead the development of AI applications that transform complex data into actionable insights. Collaborate across disciplines to create innovative solutions in computer vision, robotics, and geospatial...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Elevate product quality by leading investigations, driving root cause analysis, and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing proces...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to design innovative power supplies for various applications. Collaborate on engineering challenges, develop systems, and enhance customer satisfaction through meaningful contribut...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $150K *

Transform thermal management systems for advanced vehicle platforms, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and validate solutions th...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead New Product Development and engineering initiatives. Drive technical decisions, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and ensure compliance with customer and certification s...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $160K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing innovative mechanical systems for building projects. Leverage your expertise to ensure code compliance and efficiency while mentoring junior staff and collabo...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $160K *

Champion the design and coordination of mechanical systems for building projects, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while mentoring junior staff and delivering exceptional client service th...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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.