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Associate Research Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Research Associate Requirements: * BS or MS in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, chemical biology, biomedical engineering, or a related scientific discipline * Early-career laboratory ...

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Biochemist

Boston, MA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... Research Associate I will primarily within the autonomous lab, developing and running the biochemical and enzymatic assays that let us evaluate engineered strains and proteins at scale. Research ...

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All JobsAssociate Research Engineer JobsAssociate Research Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Associate Research Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$45.1K

$89.8K

$143.4K

How much do associate research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate research engineer in Boston, MA is $89,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,200.00 and $103,200.00 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or software engineering with executive or senior leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.

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 salary of a research engineer?

The salary of an associate research engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, especially in industries with high demand for technical expertise.

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 is an associate research engineer?

An associate research engineer is an entry-level or early-career professional involved in scientific research and development. They typically assist senior engineers or researchers, work with laboratory equipment and data analysis tools, and may require a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, science, or a related field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? For Associate Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Research Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Associate Research Engineer jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Associate Research Engineer job openings:
Associate Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Research Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,771 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Research Scientist (Associate / Senior / Principal)

Research Scientist (Associate / Senior / Principal)

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

$113K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity
Job Summary:
The Open6G group at the Institute for the Intelligent Networked Systems (INSI), Northeastern University, is leading research and development, testing and integration, and system integration for next-generation wireless systems. We envision programmable and intelligent cellular networks that can be dynamically and algorithmically instrumented and optimized through software and AI. We lead key research in Open Radio Access Network (RAN) systems, contributing to the O-RAN ALLIANCE, and we are a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance. We work with an industry consortium of 20+ companies, driving research into new approaches and paradigms for cellular systems. Our private 5G/6G testbed features open and open-source software and commercial equipment, seamlessly integrated to provide an advance research, development, and integration environment to students and researchers in the Institute. We support multiple startups and established companies in their testing and integration needs, and we are the first O-RAN Open Testing and Integration Center (OTIC) to have released a certificate in North America.
Key responsibilities:
We are looking for Assoc/Sr/Principal/Research Scientist role who can lead research activities across the center, developing innovative solutions to rethink software, hardware, and systems for cellular networks. We consider research scientist/associate research scientist/principal research scientist according to the level of experience and research profile.
The Research Scientist will lead federal, state, and industry funded research programs on programmable cellular networks, Open RAN, spectrum sharing, channel modeling and emulation, network automation, among others. This role involves activities related to ideation, design, and implementation of innovative solutions for next-generation cellular networks, AI for/and/on wireless, wireless testbeds, conducting experimental research and field trials. The RSs will be responsible for outreach and develop contributions for the O-RAN and AI-RAN Alliances to facilitate the transition of Open6G research into demonstrations and specifications.
The Research Scientist will contribute to research development activities (grant writing, proposal ideation). Successful candidates have deep knowledge of cellular systems, 3GPP, open RAN, research in automation, embedded and/or RF systems, system engineering, and AI. The RSs will work in and coordinate with a multi-disciplinary, heterogeneous team, but also lead of specific project features and tasks toward their complete implementation. We are excited to look for our future colleagues in this research journey toward open, programmable, and intelligent cellular networks.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience as a research scientist or postdoc is required
  • Publication record in topics relevant to Open6G research
  • Experience with successful grant writing and funding applications
  • Established research profile
  • Publications in top-tier networking, wireless, and/or AI conferences and transactions that demonstrate research independence and creativity
  • Experience with experimental research
  • Knowledge of cellular systems, 3GPP, and open RAN
  • Linux and Kubernetes are a plus

Depending on the prior experience and qualifications, we may consider research scientist, associate research scientist, principal research scientist for this position.
Position Title Annual Salary Range
Associate Research Scientist (Research Science) R3/109 $68k - $86k
Senior Research Scientist (Research Science) R5/111 $88k - $100k
Principal Research Scientist (Research Science) R6/113 $115k - $148k
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
113S
Expected Hiring Range:
$113,865.00 - $165,105.00
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

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