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.