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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1
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$80K - $100K *

Unlock potential by optimizing processes and leading improvements to enhance plant performance and product quality across manufacturing, engineering, and quality functions...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to innovative projects as a Project Engineer, driving customer order execution. Leverage engineering skills to create detailed designs, improve quality and cost-efficiency while collaborati...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $222K *

Shape the future of clean energy by leading a structural engineering team. Collaborate on innovative projects for nuclear facilities, guiding design and analysis while mentoring engineers and interfac...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$85K - $120K *

Innovate your career by leading the design coordination and permitting of energy projects. Collaborate with engineers, architects, and project managers to ensure timely, compliant planset delivery whi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Drive the daily operations of advanced test rigs, executing test campaigns, troubleshooting, and ensuring precise data analysis to support engineering success while contributing to robust design and c...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Grow your career with a senior role in mechanical engineering, focusing on the design, optimization, and integration of fluid systems and precision mechanisms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $100K *

Analyze materials and metallurgical challenges, providing expert failure analysis and technical support in laboratory and field environments, focusing on power generation and industrial applications t...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Engage in the design and development of advanced electronic systems for aerospace test equipment. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable solutions, ensuring compliance with specif...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Transform spacecraft design by modeling radiation environments and charging physics. Lead analytical studies and simulations to ensure safe navigation in geostationary orbit, guiding hardware and syst...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$95K - $115K *

Transform life support systems for future space missions by simulating critical processes, evaluating advanced technologies, and ensuring optimal performance of environmental controls for NASA's innov...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $190K *

Unlock potential by leading the integration and validation of advanced plasma-based sensing systems. Collaborate across disciplines to shape technical documentation and drive system performance in a f...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$92K - $138K *

Manage design efforts for Nacelle components in commercial aircraft, ensuring compliance with standards and requirements. Collaborate across functions to enhance product quality and efficiency while l...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $138K *

Architect design solutions for Nacelle components, ensuring compliance with standards. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while driving engineering changes and techn...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $180K *

Transform complex wire harness programs by leading engineering efforts, optimizing processes, and ensuring quality. Collaborate with production and customers to drive improvements and manage technical...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $102K *

Lead the charge in designing innovative electronic systems for military applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges, ensuring robust and reliable solutions thro...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's integrating cutting-edge optical systems with hands-on engineering. You'll collaborate across disciplines to develop and refine control algorithms, ensuring seamless performance in...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of automated flight by designing and testing critical flight control systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and improve flight operations, ensuring safety and pe...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $105K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and performance for critical defense projects. Leverage your engineering expertise to implement best practices and drive data-driven improv...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$83K *

Optimize field installation activities by verifying layouts, tracking progress, and resolving issues. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely material procurement and maintain accurate documentation f...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$93K *

Join a team that's driving field installation success by ensuring accurate layouts, resolving issues, and maintaining documentation. Collaborate with supervisors to enhance project quality and efficie...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Join us to provide mechanical engineering expertise for hypersonic weapons systems, ensuring operational readiness and lifecycle sustainment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain techni...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Manage engineering support for specialized munitions projects, focusing on tactical and strategic planning, project management, and CAD support. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team as you contribute to designing cutting-edge maritime countermeasure systems. This role empowers you to engage in all lifecycle phases, applying mechanical principles in a collabora...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $110K *

Empower your career as you lead mechanical systems design in a dynamic new office. Collaborate with teams nationwide, mentor emerging talent, and shape project standards while delivering impactful ins...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Engage in leading safety initiatives and audits while designing complex mechanical systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with specifications and enhance product development through inno...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 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.