research engineer

Research engineers combine research skills and knowledge of engineering principles to assist in the development or design of new products and technology. They also improve existing technical processes, machines and systems and create new, innovative technologies. The duties of research engineers depend on the branch of engineering and the industry in which they work. Research engineers generally work in an office or laboratory, analysing processes and conducting experiments.

The most in-demand skills for this role include engineering principles, technical drawings, project management, engineering processes, industrial research and development, scientific research methodology. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Our AI-durability model gives research engineer a score of 0.50 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.