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Applied Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Physics-Based Defenses: Developing "attack-agnostic" features-leveraging optical flow ... Applied Research or Data Science, with a proven track record of moving complex Computer Vision ...

Engineering Physics-Based Defenses: Developing "attack-agnostic" features-leveraging optical flow ... Applied Research or Data Science, with a proven track record of moving complex Computer Vision ...

... Transplant Applied Research (CSTAR) that is a part of the Department of Surgery and Transplant ... The Research Engineer will report to Dr. Michal Mankowski while working closely with other staff ...

... Transplant Applied Research (CSTAR) that is a part of the Department of Surgery and Transplant ... The Research Engineer will report to Dr. Michal Mankowski while working closely with other staff ...

... Transplant Applied Research (CSTAR) that is a part of the Department of Surgery and Transplant ... The Research Engineer will report to Dr. Michal Mankowski while working closely with other staff ...

... Transplant Applied Research (CSTAR) that is a part of the Department of Surgery and Transplant ... The Research Engineer will report to Dr. Michal Mankowski while working closely with other staff ...

Research Engineer Allied Mineral Products is a leading manufacturer of monolithic refractories ... Lead applied research and development programs for refractory ceramic products, including planning ...

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Applied Research Engineer information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

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
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.
Research Engineer 3

Research Engineer 3

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$5.46K - $9.60K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted yesterday


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Engineer 3
Requisition ID
req28279
Working Title
Research Engineer 3
Position Grade
15
Position Summary
The Research Engineer 3 position is a crucial role within the COSMIAC organization, responsible for overseeing the engineering team's work to ensure that all hardware and payload designs meet the necessary scientific requirements. The candidate will provide an engineering background for research on spaceflight missions that are awarded grants and contracts to a principal investigator.
In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for collecting, developing, analyzing, communicating, and consulting on a wide range of space-based data and other requirements. They will perform applied research, design, and execute various analytical and statistical studies. The Research Engineer 3 will provide functional leadership, training, and guidance to other researchers as appropriate.
Furthermore, the candidate will conduct functional analysis of electrical designs to evaluate the institutional resources available for completing complex programs. They will use statistical analysis techniques to analyze and consult on the outcomes of power designs. The Research Engineer 3 will also employ software to design, manipulate, summarize, and generate reports from multiple, large, and complex data sets and generic design features.
The successful candidate will design, build, and test special-purpose equipment and/or instrumentation for research purposes related to national defense, outer space, industry, or the global environment. They will coordinate with procurement and human resources personnel to ensure that subordinates have the necessary resources for job success.
The Research Engineer 3 must be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, prioritize work tasks, and meet multiple deadlines. Additionally, they must be willing and able to travel to off-site and on-base locations as required.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
  • Professional Engineer (PE) may be required, depending upon field of expertise.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a directly related field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Maintains a DoD Security Clearance to meet necessary security requirements.
  • Acts as the primary point of contact for space systems at the COSMIAC Research Center and represents the center to the School of Engineering (SoE).
  • Prepares, supervises, and provides education and training to junior engineers and coordinates facility improvements to ensure a safe and efficient working environment for them.
  • Conducts functional analysis of electrical designs to assess institutional resources available for completing complex programs.
  • Utilizes statistical analysis techniques to analyze and consult on the outcomes of power designs.
    Employs software to design, manipulate, summarize, and generate reports from multiple, large, and complex data sets and generic design features.
  • Designs, builds, and tests special-purpose equipment and/or instrumentation for research purposes related to national defense, outer space, industry, or the global environment.
  • Coordinates with procurement and human resources personnel to ensure subordinates have the necessary resources for job success.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, prioritize work tasks, and meet multiple deadlines.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to off-site and on-base locations as required.
  • A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
COSMIAC (282A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
06/30/2024
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $5,456.53 - $9,600.00
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
2/1/2024
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please attach CV, Resume, and application
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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