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Associate Research Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Engineering, Research / Scientific Applications are invited for a Research Associate position with the Systems Software Research Group ( at Virginia Tech's Bradley Department of Electrical and ...

They are seeking a Research Associate to conduct research in program analysis for developing ... Required : • Master's degree in computer science or computer engineering • Expertise in program ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Research Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$81.9K

$130.9K

How much do associate research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate research engineer in Virginia is $81,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Research Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Associate Research Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Research Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Research Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Research Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Research Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Research Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,927 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Tax Credits & Incentives Advisory Senior Associate - R&D

Cherry Bekaert

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

$83K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Cherry Bekaert rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 22 rated bookkeepers and accountants


Job description

Ranked among the largest accounting and consulting firms in the country and consistently recognized as aGreat Place to Work, Cherry Bekaert delivers innovative advisory,assuranceand tax services to our clients.We are proud to foster a collaborative environment focused on enabling your career growth and continuous professional development.OurTax Credits & Incentives Advisoryteamis looking for anR&D Senior Associatewith a background inR&D Tax Creditconsulting services.TheR&D Senior Associatewill have the opportunity to work hybrid from any of our office locations or remotely from within the United States.

As an R&D Senior Associate, you will:

  • Provide tax consulting services as it relates to the Research andDevelopmentTax Creditand the capitalization and amortization rules under IRC Section 174.

  • Understand common software development methodologies, programing concepts, architectural design patterns, and popular computer software terms, such as programming languages, backend database schema, messagingquesand techniques, etc.

  • Conduct technical interviews, within the context of Section41to gather qualitative details as to howclient'swork meets the definition of qualifying research activities.

  • Review technical documentation to draft project narratives to document how client projects meet Section 41 guidelines.

  • Work with team members toscopeResearch Tax Credit benefits, conduct Research Tax Credit studies, perform tax technical research, and interact with clients in a wide range of industries.

  • Create and update costing modelsin which thebusinessexpenditures aretrackedandthe credits and capitalization amounts are calculated.

  • Understand the value ofemployer time tracking and how it can be integrated into a project.

What you bring to the role:

  • Prior experience from an accounting firm working with clients and the IRC Section 41 research credit.

  • Recent industry experience in software development, consulting, or engineering preferable.

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Engineering, Technology, Information Systems, Accounting or Finance

  • Knowledge of common computer infrastructure concepts, web-based or n-tiered architectures, performance tuning of databases and middleware

  • Written and verbal communication skillsadequateto conduct technical interviews with technical management, solution architects, and product owners to gather qualitative details and write up project narratives to summarize findings.

  • Strong writing skills toaccuratelycapture and articulateinformation provided from subject matter experts in a technical interview(and referencerelatedtechnical documentation).

  • An inquisitive mind such that you, on your own, continue to educate yourself inyour specialty area.

What you can expect from us:

  • Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect

  • The opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages you

  • A collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional development

  • Competitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeing

  • Flexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of work

  • Opportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different cultures

Benefits Information:

Cherry Bekaert cares about our people. We offer competitive compensation packages based on performance that recognize the value our people bring to our clients and our Firm. The salary range for this position is included below. Individual salaries within this range are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education, knowledge, skills, and geographic location. In addition, we offer a comprehensive, high-quality benefits program which includes annual bonus, medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.

Pay Range:

$83,700 - $135,400

About Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert, ranked among the largest assurance, tax and advisory firms in the U.S., serves clients across industries in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. For more details, visit https://www.cbh.com/disclosure/

Cherry Bekaert provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. https://careers.cbh.com/legal-disclosures/ contains further information regarding the firm's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws.

This role is expected to accept applications for at least five calendar days and may continue to be posted until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.

Candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States.Cherry Bekaert will not provideworksponsorship for this position.

Cherry Bekaert LLP and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC are members of Allinial Global, an accountancy and business advisory global association. Visit us athttps://careers.cbh.com/ and follow us onLinkedIn,Instagram, Twitterand Facebook.

2026 Cherry Bekaert. All Rights Reserved.


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