Research engineer
Also known as: bionic engineer, engineer researcher, engineering researcher, engineering scholar, engineering research analyst, engineering analyst
About this occupation
Research engineers combine research skills and knowledge of engineering principles aiming to improve through research, processes, techniques, products, and systems at large. They perform experiments, for instance of natural structures such as honeycombs or tear-resistant spiderwebs, before determining the viability of alternative methods on a larger scale.
A specialisation of application engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- define technical requirements
- interpret technical requirements
- collect samples for analysis
- manage engineering project
- perform scientific research
- execute feasibility study
- scientific research methodology
- technical drawings
- project management
- gather experimental data
- use technical drawing software
- engineering processes
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Nanosystems Engineers (O*NET 17-2199.09). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance or expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others, using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems.
- Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.
- Conduct research related to a range of nanotechnology topics, such as packaging, heat transfer, fluorescence detection, nanoparticle dispersion, hybrid systems, liquid systems, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, optoelectronics, or nanolithography.
- Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.
- Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.
- Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Science, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing
US median pay: US$122,930 a year (2025), 154,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsExtremely important (4.6)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.4)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Materials Scientists
- Microsystems Engineers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Materials Engineers
- Photonics Engineers
- Photonics Technicians
- Chemists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.