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Software Engineering Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HX5, LLC

Research Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$195K/yr

HX5, LLC is an award-winning provider of engineering, research and development, and technical ... They are currently seeking an HPC Research Software Engineer to join the team at NASA Johnson Space ...

HX5 LLC

Research Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$195K/yr

Research Software Engineer Engineer III ADV000CPX NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas HX5 is ... Participate in the planning and major development efforts on software engineering projects for ...

Microsoft

Research Intern - RiSE group

Redmond, WA · On-site

$8.7K - $14K/mo

Overview Research Intern - RiSE group (Formal Methods, High-Performance Computing, ML Systems, Programming Languages, Software Engineering) Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic ...

Genus PLC

Software Engineering Manager

Windsor, WI · Hybrid

$135K - $160K/yr

As part of the Biosystems Engineering R&D organization, you will drive technical vision, team ... Represent Software Engineering in cross-functional R&D core teams delivering complete instrument ...

Genus PLC

Software Engineering Manager

Windsor, WI · Hybrid

$135K - $160K/yr

As part of the Biosystems Engineering R&D organization, you will drive technical vision, team ... Represent Software Engineering in cross-functional R&D core teams delivering complete instrument ...

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$206K

How much do software engineering research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineering research in the United States is $200,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $205,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand fields like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What is software engineering research?

Software engineering research is the systematic study of methods, tools, and practices used to design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. Researchers in this field aim to improve software quality, productivity, and efficiency by exploring new techniques in programming, project management, and software architecture. Their work often involves both theoretical studies and practical experiments, contributing to advancements in technology and industry best practices. The results of software engineering research influence the development of new software tools, methodologies, and standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineering Researcher, and why are they important?

To excel as a Software Engineering Researcher, you need a strong background in computer science, programming, algorithm design, and a graduate degree (often a Ph.D.) in a related field. Familiarity with advanced research tools, version control systems, programming languages like Python or C++, and experience with academic publishing and data analysis platforms is typical. Analytical thinking, creativity, effective communication, and collaboration are essential soft skills for presenting findings and working with interdisciplinary teams. These abilities enable researchers to innovate, contribute original insights, and advance the field of software engineering.

What is the difference between Software Engineering Research vs Software Development?

AspectSoftware Engineering ResearchSoftware Development
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's, PhD), research experienceBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsCorporate offices, startups, tech companies
Industry UsageFocus on developing new theories, algorithms, and methodologiesBuilding, testing, and maintaining software products
Common Search IntentResearch methods, academic careers, innovative technologiesJob roles, project management, coding skills

Software Engineering Research involves exploring new theories and methodologies in software development, often within academic or R&D settings. In contrast, Software Development focuses on creating and maintaining software products in industry environments. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their goals and work settings differ significantly.

How does a Software Engineering Researcher typically collaborate with product development teams?

Software Engineering Researchers often work closely with product development teams to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world application. This collaboration may involve presenting findings, proposing innovative solutions to engineering challenges, and assisting in the integration of new technologies or methodologies into existing workflows. Researchers also frequently participate in design and code reviews, as well as brainstorming sessions, to ensure that research outcomes are aligned with the team's goals and practical constraints. Such interdisciplinary cooperation not only accelerates product innovation but also helps researchers gain insight into market needs and technical limitations.

Can I make 200K a year as a software engineer?

Software engineering research roles can reach or exceed a $200,000 annual salary, especially with seniority, specialized skills, or working in high-cost-of-living areas. Factors such as experience, expertise in in-demand technologies, and company size influence earning potential, with some roles offering bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

Will AI replace coders by 2040?

Software engineering research indicates that AI tools can automate certain coding tasks, but they are unlikely to fully replace human coders by 2040. Instead, AI is expected to augment developer work, requiring skills in AI integration, problem-solving, and adapting to new technologies.

What does a research software engineer do?

A research software engineer develops, maintains, and optimizes software tools and systems to support scientific research and data analysis. They often collaborate with researchers to translate experimental needs into functional code, using programming languages like Python, C++, or Java, and may work with high-performance computing environments. Their role combines software engineering skills with domain-specific knowledge to facilitate innovative research outcomes.
More about Software Engineering Research jobs
What job categories do people searching Software Engineering Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineering Research jobs are:
Software Engineering Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineering Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 71% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $200,510 per year, or $96.4 per hour.
Director, Software Engineering - Research & Advanced Development

Director, Software Engineering - Research & Advanced Development

Berkshire Grey

Bedford, MA • On-site

$210K - $295K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.
  • 10+ years of professional software development experience, including significant experience with robotics, automation, or complex cyber-physical systems.
  • 3+ years of technical leadership or people management experience, including responsibility for planning work, assigning priorities, mentoring engineers, and driving execution through a team.
  • Strong software development expertise in Python and/or C++.
  • Demonstrated experience leading software architecture and execution for advanced robotic systems.
  • Experience evaluating, integrating, or adapting modern AI / ML-based robotics capabilities for real-world robotic applications.
  • Experience working with real robotic systems, including debugging, test design, experiment execution, and performance analysis.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.
  • Experience with robotic manipulation, motion planning, robot learning, perception-driven control, or real-time robotics systems.
  • Experience with robotic foundation models, vision-language-action models, imitation learning, reinforcement learning, or other emerging AI approaches for robotics.
  • Experience with ROS / ROS2.
  • Experience with major ML frameworks such as PyTorch.
  • Experience with simulation environments such as Isaac Sim, Isaac Lab, MuJoCo, or similar tools.
  • Experience designing evaluation frameworks, benchmark suites, datasets, and experiment workflows for robotic capabilities.
  • Experience with sim-to-real workflows, real and simulated data capture, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Experience with distributed systems, asynchronous/concurrent programming, containerization, and cloud or GPU-based compute workflows.
  • Experience managing senior engineers or research-oriented engineering teams.
  • Familiarity with material handling, warehouse automation, logistics, e-commerce fulfillment, or industrial robotics.
  • Master's degree in Robotics, Computer Science or a closely related field.

About the Job
Berkshire Grey is a leader in AI-enabled robotics, providing innovative automation solutions for e-commerce, retail replenishment, package handling, and logistics operations. Our technology automates complex warehouse tasks such as picking, packing, sorting, and trailer unloading.
As a Director of Software, you will lead software for Berkshire Grey's Research and Advanced Development program. You will manage a small team of advanced robotics software engineers focused on evaluating, developing, adapting, and integrating emerging AI-enabled robotics capabilities into real-world robotic systems.
This role combines people management, technical leadership, and hands-on architectural direction. You will define the team's software priorities, assign and guide technical work, establish evaluation methods, and help the team move quickly from promising ideas to working robotic demonstrations and robust production software capabilities.
You will work closely with cross-functional engineering leaders to ensure advanced robotics work is technically sound, measurable, and aligned with Berkshire Grey's long-term automation roadmap. This is an ideal role for a software leader who is excited by fast-moving robotics technology, comfortable operating in ambiguous problem spaces, and motivated by building practical robotic systems that work in the real world.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage a team of advanced robotics software engineers, including work planning, priority setting, technical guidance, mentorship, and performance development.
  • Define technical priorities, assign work, and drive execution across software architecture, experimentation, evaluation, and integration activities.
  • Provide architectural leadership for software systems that evaluate and incorporate emerging AI-enabled robotics capabilities.
  • Guide the team in designing rigorous experiments, benchmarks, and evaluation workflows for advanced robotic behaviors.
  • Evaluate new robotics technologies, models, tools, and frameworks; assess their practical value, risks, and fit for Berkshire Grey's robotics applications.
  • Drive rapid prototyping and demonstration of new robotic capabilities while maintaining a clear path toward reliable and maintainable software.
  • Work closely with hardware, systems, perception, controls, product, and software engineering teams to align advanced development work with broader engineering needs.
  • Establish engineering practices that improve team velocity, software quality, experiment repeatability, and technical clarity.
  • Mentor engineers through design reviews, code reviews, technical planning, and career development.
  • Communicate team plans, progress, risks, and technical tradeoffs to engineering leadership and other stakeholders.
  • Stay current with advances in robotics, AI, robot learning, simulation, and manipulation; determine where those advances can create practical value for Berkshire Grey.
  • Support the transition of mature advanced-development capabilities into broader engineering use through clear architecture, documentation, testing, and collaboration.

6110-2605KM

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