ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Research Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Research Engineer JobsAssociate Research Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Associate Research Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$42.4K

$84.5K

$135K

How much do associate research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate research engineer in Ashburn, VA is $84,504.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $97,100.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Research Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Associate Research Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Research Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Research Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

Associate Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Research Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,504 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004828)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, is a leading research institution. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) and is funded by the CHIPS program.

Salary

$50,000 - $80,000 a year

Position Overview

PREP Research Associate – Research Engineer

This role supports a multidisciplinary team working to advance nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging. The incumbent will develop reference artifacts, benchmark datasets, and automated workflows to facilitate the evaluation of defect detection and image segmentation algorithms, including those based on deep learning.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design 3D CAD models for simulation.
  • Run X-ray computed tomography (XCT) simulations and perform XCT reconstructions.
  • Develop and automate processes using Python scripts or packages, including integration with APIs or inter-process communication.
  • Generate 3D models with seeded defects using generative modeling techniques.
  • Analyze measurement data, perform image processing, and extract meaningful information to support research objectives.
  • Organize datasets for publication and communicate results with the team.
  • Present findings at internal meetings, external stakeholder meetings, conferences, and in journal publications.
Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience with XCT measurements, reconstruction, and image analysis; experience with XCT simulation is a plus.
  • Proficiency in Python scripting and familiarity with automation of software or processes through APIs or inter-process communication.
  • Experience writing Python packages or working with other programming languages such as C++ or Tcl/Tk is a plus.
  • Experience with deep learning-based image segmentation is a plus.
  • Experience with sample preparation (mechanical polishing, focused ion beam) or scanning electron microscopy imaging is a plus.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new fields or techniques.
  • Knowledge of software engineering for AI applications, mathematical probability, statistics, optimization methods, machine learning (supervised, unsupervised, deep learning), model evaluation, dataset bias, and AI model building is desirable.
  • U.S. citizenship preferred.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply