Description

Research engineers are responsible to conduct research for their company. The scope and nature of their research is according to the role they play. They should be able to examine systems (for instance, identifying weak points of security architectures and generating strategies to mitigate vulnerability) and give instructions for engineers as well as other specialists from various fields as required. The employee must be capable of writing reports and present to other departments within the organization as well. Other duties performed by researchers could include working in other departments within the organizations creating components and parts and methods for assessing security and preparing additional plans and guidelines when required. Sometimes, travel is required of researchers based the position they hold and their employer.

A bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline is typically the minimum prerequisite for a researcher however a master's degree or Ph.D. is usually recommended or required. Experience in a research engineering role is usually recommended or required. Security clearances - or the capability to get an appropriate security clearance may be required depending on the position and employer. Research engineers should have great communication and interpersonal skills, and also have an education in areas that are relevant to their job like computer science, physics, and applied math.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Research Engineer with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting literature reviews and gathering relevant research materials to support ongoing projects.
  • Assisting in the design, development, and testing of prototypes or experimental setups.
  • Collaborating with senior researchers to collect and analyze data, and contributing to research publications or technical reports.
  • Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars for continuous professional development.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Research Engineer job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong technical skills in the specific field of research, such as machine learning, data science, or computer vision, to develop innovative solutions and algorithms.
  • Proficient programming skills in languages like Python, R, or MATLAB, to implement and analyze complex models and algorithms.
  • Solid knowledge of research methodologies, experimental design, and statistical analysis to conduct thorough investigations and draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail to identify and address research challenges, optimize models, and improve overall performance.

Essential Skills For Research Engineer

1

Office 365

2

Process Management

3

Robotics

4

Process Control

5

Machine Learning

6

Computer Vision

Skills That Affect Research Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Machine Learning

21%

Python

5%

Computer Vision

13%

Career Prospects

The Research Engineer role is highly valuable in driving innovation and technological advancements. If you have 0-3 years of work experience as a Research Engineer in the United Kingdom, there are several alternative roles to explore. Here are following options worth considering:

  • Product Development Engineer: A role focused on designing and improving products, leveraging your research skills to create innovative solutions.
  • Data Scientist: A position that combines research and data analysis, utilizing statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to extract insights and drive business decisions.
  • Simulation Engineer: A role involving the development and implementation of simulations to model and test complex systems, helping organizations optimize processes and reduce costs.
  • Technical Consultant: A position where you can apply your research expertise to provide strategic and technical guidance to clients, helping them solve complex problems and achieve their objectives.

How to Learn

The role of Research Engineer in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the job role has witnessed a steady increase in demand and popularity within various industries. This trend is expected to continue in the future as more organizations invest in research and development activities. Consequently, there will be a substantial increase in employment opportunities for Research Engineers in the coming years. Based on various data points available, it is evident that the Research Engineer position in the United Kingdom promises a promising future with ample opportunities for career growth.