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Research Scientist Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$150K - $300K/yr

Fundamental research on brain-like world models: Develop and implement new architectures and ... PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Physics, or a related quantitative ...

Research Scientist/Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

Fundamental research on brain-like world models: Develop and implement new architectures and ... PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Physics, or a related quantitative ...

... science, statistics, or scene semantic understanding. * Experience communicating research for public audiences of peers. * Experience working in teams. * Knowledge in a programming language.

... science, statistics, or scene semantic understanding. * Experience communicating research for public audiences of peers. * Experience working in teams. * Knowledge in a programming language.

$195 - $325/hr

Santa Clara, California, United States Machine Learning and AI We're seeking research scientists/engineers to create breakthrough innovations in machine learning, computer vision, computer graphics ...

About this Opportunity Reporting to the HPRC Research Scientist for Cancer Prevention & Control, the Research Scientist/Engineer 2 is responsible for supporting a diverse portfolio of projects that ...

$185 - $325/hr

Research Scientist/Engineer - Agentic Workflows Santa Clara, California, United States Machine Learning and AI We're seeking research scientists and engineers to create breakthrough innovations in ...

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Research Scientist Engineer information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do research scientist engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research scientist 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 is a research scientist engineer?

Research Scientist Engineers are professionals who combine scientific research abilities with engineering expertise to solve complex technical problems. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop new technologies or processes, often working at the intersection of science and engineering disciplines. Their work is crucial in advancing knowledge and creating innovative solutions in fields like biotechnology, materials science, and information technology. Typically, they collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and may also publish research findings or assist in product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research scientist engineer?

To thrive as a Research Scientist Engineer, you need a strong background in scientific research, engineering principles, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant STEM field. Proficiency in laboratory techniques, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and specialized software or instrumentation is often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating within multidisciplinary teams and presenting findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing innovative solutions and advancing scientific knowledge in a rigorous, collaborative environment.

How does a research scientist engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research environment?

Research Scientist Engineers often work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including data scientists, product managers, and laboratory technicians. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to align on project goals, share experimental results, and troubleshoot technical challenges. Effective communication is essential, as team members may have diverse technical backgrounds. This collaborative structure ensures that research progresses efficiently from hypothesis to implementation, while also providing opportunities to learn from peers in different specialties.

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

AspectResearch Scientist EngineerResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in relevant field, engineering or science backgroundMaster's or PhD in science or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, engineering teamsLaboratories, academic or industrial research settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, engineering firms, R&D divisionsUniversities, research institutes, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonResearch Scientist EngineerResearch Scientist

The main difference between a Research Scientist Engineer and a Research Scientist lies in their focus areas. Research Scientist Engineers typically combine engineering principles with scientific research, often working on applied projects in tech or industrial settings. Research Scientists generally focus on fundamental scientific research, often in academic or basic research environments. Both roles require advanced degrees and involve laboratory work, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ based on their engineering or scientific emphasis.

Is research scientist engineer a good career?

A research scientist engineer is a professional who applies scientific principles to develop new technologies and solutions, often working in labs or R&D environments. The role typically requires strong analytical skills, advanced degrees, and proficiency with tools like MATLAB or Python. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in innovation and scientific discovery, with opportunities across industries such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What cities are hiring for Research Scientist Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Research Scientist Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Research Scientist Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Research Scientist Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Research Scientist/Engineer

Astera Institute

Remote

$150K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking brilliant, unconventional thinkers to join us. In this role, you will not be chasing incremental gains on standard benchmarks. Instead, you will be tasked with developing the foundational principles of Artificial General Intelligence. We believe that understanding the "code of the brain" is the most viable path to building truly intelligent machines, and we are looking for scientists who can bridge the gap between biological intelligence, computational theory, and building at scale.

Core Responsibilities
  • Fundamental research on brain-like world models: Develop and implement new architectures and learning algorithms for neuroscience-based world models. You will draw up on insights from deep learning, causality, probabilistic and energy based models, and biologically inspired architectures.

  • Scientific Discovery: Design experiments to test hypotheses regarding high-level cognition, causal representations, sensory-motor integration, active inference, and unsupervised learning.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside neuroscientists and software engineers to translate abstract mathematical frameworks into scalable systems.

  • Contribute to open science: Help innovate new publication models that incentivize speedy dissemination, open source code releases, free open access, and impact measurements based on uptake.

Desired Qualifications
  • Technical Depth: Preferred: PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Physics, or a related quantitative field. We are always open to considering exceptional candidates, even those with non-traditional educational histories.

  • Theoretical Rigor: Strong foundations in deep learning, graphical models, and information theory.

  • Coding Proficiency: Expert-level skills in deep learning frameworks (PyTorch/JAX), with a focus on clean, reproducible research code.

  • AGI Mindset: A demonstrated interest in the "big questions" of AI—robustness, generalization, and common-sense reasoning.

  • Curious about the brain: A genuine passion for exploring the computational and architectural principles of the mammalian brain.

  • Startup DNA: Ability to thrive in a lean, fast-paced environment where you have high autonomy and a direct influence on research direction.

Why Join Us?
  • We recognize the need for fundamental research: No pressure to align research with quarterly revenue goals, market competition, or product roadmaps. We can focus on solving the core problems and achieving breakthroughs that enable the next generation of AGI technology.

  • Mission-First: Your work contributes directly to the global pool of knowledge and the safe development of AGI.

  • Collaborative culture: We work in teams, organized around challenge problems and attack paths, without big-company inertia or politics.

Compensation

The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.

  • Benefits summary

Compensation Range: $150K - $300K