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Graduate Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The research engineer will also assist and advise graduate and undergraduate students in the group. We are looking to hire a candidate who is a team player and who will promote collaboration and ...

... and graduate degrees in Nuclear Engineering. We are the only nuclear engineering program in the ... Our purpose is to enhance, promote, and utilize the PULSTAR research reactor and associated ...

The research engineer will also assist and advise graduate and undergraduate students in the group. We are looking to hire a candidate who is a team player and who will promote collaboration and ...

At AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, the Research Engineer will develop new products and ... Graduate education or professional certification. Proof of degree or certification required. A ...

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Graduate Research Engineer information

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$37K

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$142.5K

How much do graduate research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 some typical challenges faced by Graduate Research Engineers when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Graduate Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving project requirements, learning to use advanced research tools, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. Collaborating closely with experienced team members and actively seeking feedback can help overcome these hurdles. Additionally, maintaining strong organization and time management skills is crucial for balancing research tasks with documentation and reporting responsibilities. Embracing a growth mindset and participating in ongoing training or seminars can also accelerate the transition from student to professional engineer.

What are Graduate Research Engineers?

Graduate Research Engineers are individuals who have recently completed or are near completion of an engineering degree and are engaged in research-based roles, often within academic, industrial, or research institute settings. Their work typically involves assisting in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments or engineering projects under the supervision of senior researchers or professors. They contribute to solving complex engineering problems, developing prototypes, and publishing research findings. This position is ideal for those considering further academic pursuits or specialized careers in engineering research and development.

What engineers make $500,000?

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

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, often due to extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, especially in technology and energy sectors.

Do R&D engineers make good money?

Research and Development (R&D) engineers, including graduate research engineers, typically earn competitive salaries that vary by industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions often start around industry average, with salaries increasing as skills and expertise grow, especially for those with specialized knowledge in areas like engineering design, testing, and data analysis.

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

AspectGraduate Research EngineerResearch Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, or industry R&D departmentsIndustry R&D departments, manufacturing, or technology companies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, tech companiesManufacturers, tech firms, engineering consultancies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles in engineeringComparing research-focused engineering roles in industry

Graduate Research Engineers typically hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree and work mainly in academic or research settings, focusing on developing new technologies or theories. Research Engineers often have similar educational backgrounds but may possess higher degrees like a PhD and work directly in industry R&D departments, applying research to product development and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Research Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, analytical problem-solving abilities, and typically a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), data analysis tools, CAD software, and laboratory instrumentation is often required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and a proactive approach to learning help set candidates apart in collaborative research environments. These skills are vital for driving innovation, conducting rigorous experiments, and contributing effectively to research projects.

What is the salary of a research engineer?

The salary of a graduate research engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and opportunities for research funding.
More about Graduate Research Engineer jobs
What states have the most Graduate Research Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Research Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.
Integrated Nanotechnologies Graduate Research Assistants

Integrated Nanotechnologies Graduate Research Assistants

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

What You Will Do
The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (MPA-CINT), is seeking outstanding graduate research assistant candidates to join projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Projects combine small and large interdisciplinary teams involved in chemical synthesis, nanodevice fabrication, optical characterization, electron microscopy characterization, nanomechanical characterization, theoretical simulation, and the bio-nano interface to predict, synthesize, and understand nanomaterials through studies that are unique to LANL experimental capabilities (https://cint.lanl.gov).
The successful candidate(s) will contribute to a one-of-a-kind collaborative team environment consisting of accomplished early, mid, and senior career scientists in Quantum Materials Systems, In-Situ Characterization and Nanomechanics, Nanophotonics and Optical Nanomaterials, and Soft, Biological, and Composite Nanomaterials.
Being part of this highly multidisciplinary team, the successful applicant(s) will have the chance to be part of projects with far-reaching implications for leading to high quality publications.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited Ph.D. program in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent). Students preparing to begin a graduate program of study must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
  • Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
  • Relevant research background to CINT scientists seeking students.
  • Strong publication record quantified in terms of impact in the applicant's field.
  • Demonstrated ability to work creatively and independently in collaboration with large interdisciplinary research teams comprising both experimentalists and theorists.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral and written English, both technically and interpersonally

Education/Experience: Completion of a bachelor's degree and acceptance into a U.S. graduate degree program in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related field. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required.


Desired Qualifications:
  • Strong scientific record in the general area of candidate's research by publication in high impact factor journals.
  • Strong citation of published work quantified through total citation count and h-index.
  • Recognition through national or international honors and awards.
  • Strong potential for attaining national and international stature in her/his field of research.
Note to Applicants:
  • A complete application package consists of a Cover Letter, CV, and names of 3 references. Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter addressing which GRA position they wish to be considered for including their CINT mentor, how they meet the minimum job requirements and relevant desired skills (in bullet point format), and the contact information for at least three professional references.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

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