How to become a Research Engineer: A Guide Research Engineering

Ever thought about how you can take advantage of the flourishing industrial sector? Well, the easiest way to do so is to land a job as a research engineer. Research engineers are employed in a multitude of industries from aerospace to the mechanics and even fuel industries. The salary is heavily dependent on the industry that he chooses to specialize in, however, it pays quite well.

It is a booming market that has seen tremendous growth in recent decades. Job security and remunerative salaries are some of the perks that attract young students to this field being one of the highest paying professions globally. And it is expected to reach greater heights in the coming decades. In this article, we have explained everything about the research engineer job description. From what is a research engineer to how to become a research engineer, we have got you covered! Read on to know all. 

What is a research engineer?

To put it simply, research engineers gather information, data, and samples to test them and to find the best method for application. That is, they design new products and technology through intensive background work such as research, investigation, experimentation, and scrutiny. This is what a basic job description looks like. However, specific duties depend on the branch of engineering they work in and the precise requirements. Every field of work requires research engineers. And, in recent years, research engineering has proved to be the backbone of the industrial and technological markets. Without them, we wouldn’t have the latest technological devices or even medicines. 

What does a research engineer do?

Ones knowing the whereabout, we need to know the works in detail now.

Lab technician dressed in protective suit as safety precaution looking at test tube. Scientist in laboratory wearing coverall doing research and analyzing substance during global pandemic with covid19. As we said, research engineers are employed in a multitude of industries, from aerospace to petroleum, retail, etc. There are multiple alternative titles associated with the field. You might be familiar with job titles like government engineer, component researcher, research and development engineer, materials engineer, etc. All these job titles refer to this one common profession. 

Usually working with the government, manufacturers, private corporations, and even academic institutions, their job description entails planning, managing, and executing development projects specific to the field they are employed in. They assist in the development and design of new products while improving existing technologies and giving birth to innovations. Therefore, it is all about the implementation of research findings. They may also work in laboratories specific to their field. For example, biomedical engineers may monitor chemical reactions and product engineers in industrial fields may evaluate materials to find the most durable materials to build a particular product.  Additionally, research engineers also take up the jobs of supervising during a development project.

Other duties include the following: 

1. Performing cutting-edge research and surveys.
2. Writing summaries of structural tests
3. Pitching product ideas to project managers
4. Publishing and announcing findings, presenting at conferences
5. Preparing monthly budget reports and annual estimates
6. Creating prototypes while sticking to cost restrictions
7. Designing testing procedures
8. Coordinating with the team to solve problems
9. Exploring ways to improve technology
10. Leading and supervising teams of engineers, technicians, and scientists

How to become a research engineer? 

Now that we have explored the job description, let’s see how to become one.

Like every field, here too is the need to have specific skills and educational qualifications. If you want to know how to become a research engineer, the first and foremost thing for you to do is get a bachelor’s degree. One should hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 4 years in an engineering field. Some industries prefer a master’s or postgraduate degree too. During the first two years of the 4-year program, aspiring research designers take courses in advanced mathematics, physics and chemistry. And, during the remaining two years, they choose a specialization by opting for field-specific courses like fluid mechanics or molecular systems, etc. 

Besides the educational qualifications, there are some professional requirements needed to become a research engineer. Professional requirements may include past work experience including internships. Like every profession, here too you must be passionate about what you are doing. You need to be curious and innovative. Conventional people are not welcome in this field as you have to think out of the box to fuel innovations. Research engineers should also be good team players as you will be required to work in a team. ‘Above all, computer skills are increasingly required in this profession. You should be familiar with coding and CAE methods. 

How much does a research engineer make? 

The salary may vary from $20,000 a year to $200,000 a year. It depends on your qualifications and whether you are a junior intern or a senior research engineer. In conclusion, the research engineering profession is one of the fastest-growing industries in today’s day and age. If you see an opportunity, you should seize it.