What is Research Engineer: Courses, Skills, Salary & Career

Do you have a curious mind and a knack for problem-solving? If so, a career as a research engineer could be the perfect fit for you. Research engineers are crucial in creating groundbreaking technologies and transforming entire industries. From developing modern gadgets to leading innovations, they are the main driving force behind some of the most exciting advancements of our time.
If you're eager to learn more about the field of research engineering, this blog is for you! Here, you'll find everything you need to know about becoming a research engineer, the essential skills required, and top courses.

What is a Research Engineer?

A research engineer is a person who develops products, processes, or technology for their employer in different fields, which vary greatly depending on an individual's engineering speciality. The job of a research engineer is mainly in the Research & Development department of an organization, government agency, or academic institution. 

They work to gather relevant information and data samples, then analyze their research and perform tests to create optimal and innovative solutions. Unlike traditional engineers, research engineers focus on exploring new ideas and theories rather than just applying existing ones to real-world problems.

Fields/industries where research engineers work 

1. Military
2. Medical or health care
3. Transportation
4. Biotechnology
5. Artificial intelligence
6. Aerospace technology
7. Materials science
8. Electrical engineering
9. Mechanical engineering
10. Robotics and automation technology
11. Computer hardware and software
12. Chemistry and process engineering
13. Energy technology and environmental technology
14. Energy (renewable energy, oil & gas, mining, etc.)
15. Product development (industrial and commercial)

What Does a Research Engineer Do?

A research engineer’s job responsibility generally varies depending on the type of industry and domain in which they work. However, some typical responsibilities of a research engineer include:

1. Identify solutions for industry problems by conducting research
2. Developing new concepts for existing or new products, processes, or equipment relevant to their industry
3. Design and develop industry-relevant equipment or technology based on concepts, as well as ensure the functionality
4. To analyze and test processes, equipment, or materials
5. Manage the team members of design or research teams
6. Writing research and grant proposals
7. Presenting at conferences or meetings the new findings
8. Preparing budget reports and estimates
9. Preparing documentation reports summarizing their findings
10. How to get into Research and Development careers

 Academic research jobs 

1. Present seminars and familiarize the existing faculty and student community with your research interests.
2. Attending conferences and other activities that make academic researchers familiar with each other
3. Share your work time between pursuing active research
4. Taking on various doctoral and postdoctoral students under their wing and mentoring them for their research
5. Do scientific publications, collaborations, research grants, etc.
6. For people recruiting into R&D, the quality of research publications matters, especially how well they have been received in the scientific community – citations.

Industry Research Jobs

1. Usually, hire highly qualified Master’s, Doctorate, or Post-Doctorate graduates in the desired field with additional skills to help them adjust to the corporate culture and its values.
2. A PhD is a great way to prove that you have had a taste of the research world.
3. Research proposal writing skills
4. Setting up laboratories 
5. Good research publications
6. Initiate various scientifically oriented projects to improve quality, gain experience, and build a network. This can increase the chances of interviews at the R&D department.

Popular Research Engineering Courses

 Senior Scientist courses

1. Improving Healthcare Through Clinical Research
2. Genomics: Decoding the Universal Language of Life
3. Knowledge and Skills for Dementia Care: the SSLD Approach
4. Science Literacy
5. Mind of the Universe: Science in Progress
6. Introduction to Translational Science
7. Autophagy: Research Behind the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
8. Qualitative Data Collection Methods
9. Part Time - PG Diploma in Clinical Research
10. Online PG Diploma in Clinical Research

      Graduate programs

1. Graduate Certificate Program in Clinical Research
2. Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Administration
3. Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 
4. Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides
5. Market Research: Consumer Behavior and Analytics
6. Dead Interesting: Uncovering Roman Britain in Old Museum Collections

Top Research Engineer Skills

1. Ability to work with all team members by coordinating with them
2. Great communication and writing skills
3. Creative thinking
4. Extensive knowledge of mathematics and good IT skills
5. Research skills such as data collection, literature review, as well as deep research
6. Above-average academic performance and Professional competency 
7. Building prototypes and system

How to Become a Research Engineer?

Obtain a bachelor's degree

• You must first receive a bachelor's degree in an engineering field. That could be any engineering field, such as civil, electrical, environmental, or mechanical engineering.
• Some engineering students take coursework in relevant subjects such as sciences or advanced mathematics, including physics and chemistry, and spend the first two years of their degree program. After completing these prerequisites, they take courses focused on their engineering specialization.

Gain work experience

• As a student: Gaining experience can start at the school level and by participating in internships or cooperative work programs. If your school partnered with some company over an extended period during your schooling, you can get an opportunity to balance having a part-time job and schoolwork.

• As an intern, you may work for a company over a semester or summer and have hands-on, relevant experience as a research engineer. This experience will be counted when you start finding jobs, as you can show your training experience.

Receive a Professional Engineer License

Some engineering jobs even require that you have a PE license. Being a PE can not only increase the opportunities available to you, but it is also a way to demonstrate your qualifications and abilities as an engineer to both employers and clients.

You have to check the requirements for licensure as it can vary by state. Eligibility criteria are as follows - 

1. Graduated from an accredited school
2. At some work experience as an engineer
3. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles & Practice of Engineering exams.

Get an Advanced Degree

You can obtain a master's degree in engineering (2 years) and a doctorate (3-4 years). To gain more senior positions, you may consider pursuing an advanced degree. These degrees will take on more advanced and specific coursework related to your engineering concentration and gain more advanced research and laboratory experience. These degrees will add the necessary skills and knowledge to perform as a research engineer.

While in school, try to look at job listings for research engineers to assess the types of candidates employers are looking to hire. Some employers prefer candidates who have a master's degree, so that may factor into your decision on whether to continue your schooling and pursue an advanced degree.

How to Choose the Right Course?

1. Be clear about what you want to be after pursuing engineering. A researcher, research analyst, research executive, market research executive, etc.
2. Assess your skill level and see if learning a new course adds value.
3. Check if the course fits your budget.
4. Plan your budget accordingly and consider the time you will put into pursuing the course.
5. Talk to people who have already taken the course or check online reviews.
6. Check the course content/syllabus.
7. Check if the course is certified.
8. See if the course fits your budget.

Conclusion 

The research field was there in the past as well as in the future. This research field will always have scope. So, learning research techniques will pay you for your job and as an educator. Enroll in different research courses according to your area of interest and start your journey today.