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Lead Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GNC Research Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $156K/yr

Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that ... lead research efforts. e)Relevant MS thesis (or PhD dissertation) or prior professional R&D ...

Senior Research Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$124K - $170K/yr

The Senior Research Engineer will lead perception research initiatives and develop advanced computer vision algorithms to enhance the company's autonomous robotics platform. Responsibilities : • ...

Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that ... lead research efforts. e)Relevant MS thesis (or PhD dissertation) or prior professional R&D ...

Research Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

Lead research and engineering efforts to improve core conversational capabilities in production, including instruction following, retrieval, memory, and long-horizon task completion * Build and ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

Lead research and engineering efforts to improve core conversational capabilities in production, including instruction following, retrieval, memory, and long-horizon task completion * Build and ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $400K/yr

Lead research and engineering efforts to improve core conversational capabilities in production, including instruction following, retrieval, memory, and long-horizon task completion * Build and ...

Senior Research Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

The Senior Research Engineer is a core member of VVater's Research and Development team ... You will lead research, experimentation, and development across our Farady Reactor, ALTEP, Advanced ...

Execute and lead research contracts to push our technology forward * Serve as Principal ... Solid programming skills and experience with AI-assisted software development. * Ability to work ...

Senior Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

The Senior Research Engineer is a core member of VVater's Research and Development team ... You will lead research, experimentation, and development across our Farady Reactor, ALTEP, Advanced ...

Execute and lead research contracts to push our technology forward * Serve as Principal ... Solid programming skills and experience with AI-assisted software development. * Ability to work ...

Senior Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

You will lead research, experimentation, and development across our Farady Reactor, ALTEP, Advanced ... This is a hands-on, senior technical role for a scientist-engineer who is equally comfortable at ...

Lead technical projects, help recruit and mentor a team of junior software engineers * Provide ... and biomedical research Minimum Qualifications: To qualify you must have a Masters degree in ...

Lead technical projects, help recruit and mentor a team of junior software engineers * Provide ... and biomedical research Minimum Qualifications: To qualify you must have a Masters degree in ...

Execute and lead research contracts to push our technology forward * Serve as Principal ... Solid programming skills and experience with AI-assisted software development. * Ability to work ...

Lead technical projects, help recruit and mentor a team of junior software engineers * Provide ... and biomedical research Minimum Qualifications: To qualify you must have a Masters degree in ...

Research Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$104K - $118K/yr

Research Engineer Full Time Engineer WAYNESBORO, VA, US 25 days ago Requisition ID: 1418 Salary ... Lead and support technology scale-up, product validation, and commercialization activities with a ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop ...

Lead R&D Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

The Lead R&D Engineer is a member of the Hollister Ostomy New Product Development team. The Lead R&D Engineer will lead or participate in new product development project teams to drive and develop ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Research Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead research engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead research engineer?

Lead Research Engineers are professionals who oversee and guide research and development projects within engineering teams. They are responsible for designing experiments, developing innovative solutions, and leading teams in the creation of new technologies or products. In addition to technical expertise, they often coordinate cross-functional collaboration, manage project timelines, and ensure that research objectives align with organizational goals. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical engineering applications.

How does a lead research engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Lead Research Engineer, you will often act as a bridge between research, engineering, and product teams. You’ll be responsible for translating complex research concepts into practical solutions, coordinating with software engineers to implement prototypes, and working closely with product managers to align on project goals. Effective communication and strong project management skills are crucial, as you’ll facilitate regular meetings, provide technical guidance, and ensure that research outcomes are integrated smoothly into the final product. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and often provides opportunities to lead interdisciplinary projects.

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

To thrive as a Lead Research Engineer, you need advanced expertise in engineering principles, research methodologies, and a relevant advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD. Familiarity with simulation software, data analysis tools, programming languages (like Python or MATLAB), and project management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help drive innovation and effectively manage multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing research objectives, leading complex projects, and delivering impactful technological solutions.

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

AspectLead Research EngineerResearch Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/Ph.D. in engineering or related field, leadership experienceBachelor's/Master's/Ph.D. in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, manages teams, collaborates with stakeholdersConducts research, develops prototypes, tests concepts
Industry UsageUsed in R&D departments across tech, manufacturing, aerospaceCommon in labs, product development, innovation teams

The main difference is that a Lead Research Engineer oversees research projects and manages teams, while a Research Engineer focuses on conducting research and developing solutions. The Lead Research Engineer typically has more leadership responsibilities and strategic input, whereas the Research Engineer is more hands-on with technical tasks.

What states have the most Lead Research Engineer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Lead Research Engineer jobs?

For Lead Research Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

GNC Research Engineer

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$75K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Overview:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary:
The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Research Engineer to work within multi-disciplinary teams to design and analyze next-generation weapon system concepts for the war fighter. This role will be of high interest to applicants that desire to participate in the research and development (R&D) of new US military capabilities in both strategic and tactical mission domains, with specific focus on the design of enabling guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystem technology.
An ideal candidate for this role would match the following description:
a)Systems analyst or research engineer with experience in defense/missile applications.
b)Desire to shape/innovate solutions to complex problems of national importance.
c)GNC technologist with strong foundational understanding of both hardware and algorithms.
d)Demonstrated ability to independently propose, plan, and lead research efforts.
e)Relevant MS thesis (or PhD dissertation) or prior professional R&D experience.
f)Highly motivated to support the maintenance of our national strategic deterrence.
g)Demonstrated ability for system and mission level thinking; highly motivated to find the technology that solves the problem, not the problem that fits the technology.
Working in a dynamic team environment developing state-of-the-art weapon/GN&C systems will provide exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies as well as afford opportunities for increased leadership/impact on the development of new war-fighter capability.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Independently execute system engineering full development lifecycle assignments, from requirements capture to deployment with some oversight.
• Provide content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership
• Adheres to existing best practices and Quality Management System processes.
• Continues to expand their depth/knowledge in their technical discipline through formal and informal learning.
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments
• Help define, plan, and execute engineering analyses/design trades
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.
Education
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Masters degree or higher preferred.
Experience
3-5 years experience as systems engineer or related role.
Additional Job Description:
Applicants selected for this opportunity will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.
Job Location - City:
Cambridge
Job Location - State:
Massachusetts
Job Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563
The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$75,000.00 - $156,000.00
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.
Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.