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Associate Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$49K/yr

Research Engineer Department: Asst/Assoc Professor Reports To: Assistant Professor Position Summary: Center for Solar Terrestrial Research (CSTR) of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in ...

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Associate Research Engineer information

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How much do associate research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate research engineer in the United States is $82,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate research engineer do?

An Associate Research Engineer supports research and development projects by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and assisting with the design and testing of prototypes or systems. They often collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to develop new technologies or improve existing ones. Responsibilities may also include preparing technical reports, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This role is typically an entry-level engineering position that provides hands-on experience in a research-oriented environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate research engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Research Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, data analysis, and experimental design, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Python, CAD software, and lab instrumentation is typically required, along with experience in documentation and reporting systems. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help set candidates apart. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring accurate research outcomes, and collaborating efficiently within research and development environments.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate research engineer when working on collaborative projects?

As an Associate Research Engineer, one of the main challenges in collaborative projects is effectively communicating technical findings and progress with multidisciplinary teams, which may include scientists, engineers, and project managers. Balancing multiple priorities, such as meeting project deadlines while ensuring experiments are thoroughly conducted and documented, can also be demanding. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project goals or research directions requires flexibility and proactive problem-solving. Building strong relationships and maintaining clear communication channels are essential for overcoming these challenges and contributing successfully to team objectives.

What is the difference between Associate Research Engineer vs Research Engineer?

AspectAssociate Research EngineerResearch Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's, often with more experience or specialization
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting research projects, labs, or R&D teamsMore independent, leading or executing research initiatives
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, manufacturing, and research institutionsUsed across similar industries, often with more responsibility

The main difference between an Associate Research Engineer and a Research Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Associate Research Engineers typically support research projects and are in early career stages, while Research Engineers often lead or independently execute research tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are prevalent in tech and industrial sectors.

More about Associate Research Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Associate Research Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Research Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Associate Research Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Research Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Associate Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,636 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Associate Research Engineer

The University of Dayton

Dayton, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Dayton rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Associate Research Engineer

Apply now Job No: 503788
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Air Vehicle Optimization - 250571
Pay Grade: R1/R2 - Exempt
Advertised: August 07, 2026
Applications close: August 21, 2026

Position Summary:

UDRI is seeking qualified applicants to apply for a Associate Research Engineer position. This position will work for the Air Vehicle Optimization Group of the Structures & Materials Division and is a full-time benefit eligible position that offers health, dental and vision insurance, retirement, disability, tuition assistance, vacation/sick accrual and holiday pay.

The Air Vehicle Optimization Group at UDRI is a diverse team of skilled engineers and scientists who work closely with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop, prototype, and test numerical models, software, and hardware for the multidisciplinary design and analysis of aerospace vehicles. The group brings together specialties in Aerospace, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics to combine state-of-the-art engineering tools with innovative ideas to support future aircraft design methods from conceptual design through flight testing. A few of the projects the group currently supports include: Computational Aircraft Prototype Synthesis (CAPS), Missile Enhancement via Reconfigurable Interceptor Nose, Efficient Supersonic Aircraft Vehicle, X-56, XQ-58, Effectiveness Assessment of Concepts and Technologies, and Sensitivity Analysis for Multidisciplinary Systems.

The group is currently seeing an Aerospace Engineer to support ongoing research and development contracts at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the Air Force Research Laboratory to provide support for airframe propulsion and power systems integration. Research Aerospace Engineers apply fundamental engineering principles to design, develop, document, maintain, and deploy software infrastructure and engineering analyses in the support of aerospace engineering research.

The successful candidate will bring to bear their skills and experience with one or more of the following: experience in aircraft design and propulsion and power system integration, finite element analysis for structural analysis, CFD for aerospace analysis, multidisciplinary analysis, sensitivity analysis, design optimization, aeroservoelastic design optimization, and aircraft trajectory optimization framework, and computer programming. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential and highly valued in this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

- A Bachelors or equivalent degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline from ABET accredited institution
- Basic experience with Python/MATLAB/C++/ANSYS/SolidWorks or similar programming languages
- Knowledge of aircraft design and performance analysis
- Knowledge of propulsion systems
- Due to requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a US Citizen

R1 Level Requirements:
Bachelors and no previous work experience
R2 Level Requirements:
Bachelors and three years previous work experience, OR
Masters and two years previous work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

- A Masters or equivalent degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline from ABET accredited institution.
- In addition to the minimum qualifications, a preferred candidate will also have a background and/or proven interest in one or more of the following topics: Finite element analysis Topology optimization or other structural design methods Smart materials and systems Programming
-Proficient using Python/MATLAB, C++, Simulink, CSDL, ANSYS, SolidWorks, or similar programming languages
- Proficient in aircraft design and performance analysis
- Familiar with multidisciplinary analysis and optimization including sensitivity analysis
- Familiar with finite element method as applied to structures
- Experience with CFD tools
- Experience with aeroelastic analysis- Experience with aeroservoelastic design optimization and gradient-based aircraft trajectory optimization framework
- Experience with simulating flight dynamics- Experience with NASTRAN/ABAQUS or similar finite element modeling tools
- Research experience

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

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