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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$92K - $138K *

Transform manufacturing processes by leading R&D initiatives, developing innovative tooling, and collaborating across teams to enhance product quality and efficiency from concept to production...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$74K - $187K *

Lead the charge in transforming industrial automation through innovative engineering solutions. As a technical anchor, you'll guide cross-functional teams from concept to prototype, ensuring clarity a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$74K - $187K *

Unlock potential by leading a cross-functional team to develop innovative industrial automation solutions, transforming customer needs into actionable prototypes while providing technical oversight an...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $165K *

Shape the future of public infrastructure as a Senior Civil Engineer. Lead complex projects, mentor teams, and foster client relationships, while delivering innovative solutions that enhance communiti...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing mechanical systems by conducting structural analysis and testing, optimizing designs, and directly engaging with hardware from concept to deployment in dynamic envir...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join us to leverage your technical expertise in materials testing and analysis. You'll execute complex workflows, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with engineers to enhance processes and ensure hi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$165K - $175K *

Advance mission integration through innovative systems engineering and architecture design, ensuring robust capability delivery for diverse operational needs in a dynamic defense environment...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Contribute to the successful execution of complex subsea projects through innovative design, rigorous analysis, and effective collaboration. Engage in all project phases, from conceptual development t...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$165K - $300K *

Innovate cutting-edge AI solutions for autonomous systems, transforming research into practical applications. Collaborate with experts to enhance multimodal perception and optimize capabilities for re...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation in simulation systems to train and evaluate robots. Collaborate on modeling physical interactions, creating scalable training environments, and bridging the gap between simulation and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's building advanced simulation systems to train and evaluate robots. Collaborate on modeling physical interactions, scaling training environments, and bridging the gap between simulat...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Innovate with us to develop scalable healthcare AI systems, leveraging Python and backend technologies. Collaborate cross-functionally in a dynamic startup environment to design impactful solutions th...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Engage as a Design Engineer, bridging design and engineering to create user-centric interfaces. Architect smooth interactions within our platform while implementing a robust design system that enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$85K - $110K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of transportation infrastructure. As a Project Engineer, you will collaborate on a variety of innovative projects, enhancing your technical skills and gaining com...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$115K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to design and test cutting-edge avionics systems for aviation. Leverage your mechanical engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions and enhance aircraft performance while c...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Build innovative embedded systems for cutting-edge ultrasound technology. Partner with engineers to design, validate, and optimize performance, supporting a regulated environment and driving product d...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of ultrasound technology. This role involves designing and integrating embedded systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance through ri...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of developing innovative embedded systems for cutting-edge ultrasound technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal system integration and performance while ad...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in innovative product development by managing design, validation, and launch of electromechanical systems for automotive applications, ensuring alignment with performance, quality, and...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $160K *

Transform the future of power electronics by designing and validating innovative systems. Collaborate across functions to optimize product performance and ensure seamless integration from concept to m...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$68K - $113K *

Explore a dynamic entry-level role where you'll support PCB design and analysis, collaborate on electro-mechanical systems, and enhance research capabilities. Join a team dedicated to innovative solut...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$83K - $139K *

Lead the design and optimization of manufacturing processes for innovative brain interfaces. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance product quality, scalability, and production efficiency while ens...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$92K - $174K *

Transform your career by driving innovative mechanical solutions through cutting-edge research and development. Collaborate with a dynamic engineering team to optimize material systems and fabrication...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$92K - $174K *

Lead innovative material system designs and fabrication methods to support cutting-edge research and development within a collaborative engineering team focused on manufacturing and repair processes f...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$175K - $210K *

Join a team that's innovating the future of energy by integrating large-load facilities into the electric grid, solving complex challenges, and ensuring reliable power supply for high-performance comp...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.