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 evaluating 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 3-6 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting research and analysis to support the development of new technologies or improvements to existing systems.Collect and analyze data, perform experiments, and generate technical reports.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement research projects.Work closely with engineers, scientists, and technicians to define research objectives and timeline.
  • Developing and testing prototypes or models to validate research findings.Build experimental setups, run tests, and evaluate performance to verify the effectiveness of research outcomes.
  • Contributing to the preparation and submission of research proposals and grant applications.

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.

Algorithm Design

6%

Data Modeling

4%

Software Development

1%

Robotics

12%

Machine Learning

6%

Python

1%

Computational Fluid Dynamics

10%

Career Prospects

The role of a Research Engineer is vital in driving innovation and technological advancements. For individuals with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Data Scientist: A position focused on analyzing and interpreting large datasets to extract valuable insights and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
  • Product Manager: A role involving the development and management of products or services throughout their lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization.
  • Systems Engineer: A position that focuses on the design, development, and integration of complex systems, ensuring they meet technical requirements and objectives.
  • R&D Manager: A role that involves overseeing and coordinating research and development projects, managing teams, and driving innovation within an organization.

How to Learn

The research engineer role in the United States is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the next 10 years, this job role is projected to experience a steady increase in employment opportunities. With advancements in technology and innovation, companies across various industries are increasingly relying on research engineers to drive their research and development efforts. According to the latest data points available on Google, the future looks promising for research engineers, with a positive outlook for career growth and employment prospects.