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Applied Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Autodesk

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Job Requisition ID # 26WD97951 Research Engineer Autodesk Research - Manufacturing Industry Futures ... Relevant industry, research, or applied R&D experience. * Hands-on experience with manufacturing ...

New

Autodesk

Research Engineer

Boston, MA

The Research Engineer will work directly with researchers, technologists, industry partners, and ... Relevant industry, research, or applied R&D experience * Hands-on experience with manufacturing ...

ARA

Research Engineer - AI/ML

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified Research Engineer for the development of advanced AI/ML algorithms for the Intelligence and Defense communities.

Autodesk, Inc.

Research Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Research Engineer will work directly with researchers, technologists, industry partners, and ... Relevant industry, research, or applied R&D experience * Hands-on experience with manufacturing ...

ARA

Senior Research Engineer - AI/ML

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$181.20K/yr

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified Research Engineer for the development of advanced AI/ML algorithms for the Intelligence and Defense communities.

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How much do applied research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied research engineer in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Applied Research Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applied Research Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and engineering principles, usually evidenced by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or C++), machine learning frameworks, and experience with simulation or data analysis tools are typically required. Critical thinking, creativity, and excellent problem-solving skills set standout candidates apart, along with the ability to clearly communicate complex findings. These skills ensure the effective development and implementation of innovative solutions that bridge theoretical research and practical engineering applications.

How does an Applied Research Engineer typically collaborate with product development teams to bring research solutions into production?

Applied Research Engineers often work closely with cross-functional product development teams to translate experimental models into scalable and robust solutions. This involves frequent meetings to align research objectives with business needs, adapting prototypes for real-world constraints, and providing technical guidance to ensure seamless integration. Effective communication and documentation are essential, as is the ability to iterate quickly based on feedback from software engineers, data scientists, and product managers. This collaborative environment helps bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, user-facing applications.

What are applied research engineers?

Applied research engineers are professionals who bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications. They take scientific discoveries and innovative concepts from research and develop real-world solutions, often creating prototypes, refining processes, or improving technologies. Their work can span various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and healthcare, and they frequently collaborate with both researchers and product development teams. Applied research engineers play a crucial role in turning ideas into tangible products or services that address specific needs.

What is the difference between Applied Research Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectApplied Research EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; often requires experience in research or developmentBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields; often requires strong analytical and programming skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, technology companies focusing on product developmentBusiness environments, analytics teams, consulting firms analyzing data for insights
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, manufacturing firmsFinance, healthcare, marketing, tech industries

Applied Research Engineers focus on developing new technologies and prototypes through research, often working in R&D settings. Data Scientists analyze and interpret complex data to inform business decisions. While both roles require technical skills and programming knowledge, Applied Research Engineers are more involved in creating innovative solutions, whereas Data Scientists focus on data analysis and modeling.

More about Applied Research Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Applied Research Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Applied Research Engineer jobs are:
Applied Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Senior Research Engineer - AI/ML

Berriehill Research

Raleigh, NC

$181.20K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified Research Engineer for the development of advanced AI/ML algorithms for the Intelligence and Defense communities. Application areas include software tool development, physics-based modeling, machine learning, simulation and optimization, probabilistic modeling, computer vision, and intelligent agents. The scientist / engineer will join a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of engineers and scientists.

We are seeking an experienced Research Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have an active interest in applying math/statistics/physics/engineering concepts to solve multi-disciplinary problems. Candidate will have strong analytical skills and will be capable of translating ideas and proposed solutions into software tools and algorithms. The candidate should be familiar with improving/optimizing/tuning existing algorithms as well as development of new algorithms from scratch. This will include software design, software development, and debugging / issue resolution. The candidate should demonstrate a hands-on approach to problem solving and must be willing to actively participate in evaluation of algorithm and system performance. Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and debugging skills are required.

Scientists / engineers who are passionate about applying their expertise to solve problems of national importance, have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and are seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth in a stable environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Senior Research Engineer – AI/ML Position Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship (No exceptions; green card holders are not eligible)
  • Current TS/SCI clearance or TS/SCI eligible
  • BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field with 10-12 years of relevant work experience
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, physics-based modeling, simulation and optimization, uncertainty quantification, surrogate modeling and model reduction, computer vision, and intelligent agents
  • Strong foundation in software development and experience with Python, Java, and/or C++
  • Experience going from problem statement to prototype to production-ready algorithms
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Senior Research Engineer – AI/ML Preferences:

Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

  • PhD or MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field
  • Experience in cloud-based, parallel, or distributed computing.
  • Experience developing generative AI, agentic AI, and/or LLM-based systems
  • Experience leading small teams of researchers and engineers
  • Experience with proposal development and sponsor interactions
  • Ability and desire to quickly learn new domains.

Who is ARA?  

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. 

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.  

To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/ 

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