Description

A research engineer is responsible for conducting research on behalf of their organization; the breadth and type of research varies depending on their role. They must be able to analyze systems (for example, identifying the vulnerable parts of security architectures and developing ideas for how to reduce vulnerability), as well as provide guidance to engineers and other professionals in different specialties as needed. This employee needs to be able to write reports and give presentations to other departments inside the company as well. Other tasks performed by research engineers may include collaborating with other teams within their organization, designing parts and components, developing new protocols for assessing security, and developing other plans and guidance as needed. Occasional travel may be required of research engineers depending on their position and employer. A bachelor's degree in an engineering field is generally the minimum educational requirement for a research engineer, although a master's degree or Ph.D. is often required or preferred as well. Previous experience in a research engineering capacity is generally required or preferred as well. A security clearance - or the ability to obtain a security clearance - may be needed depending on the employer and position. Research engineers must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a background in fields relevant to their position such as computer science, physics and applied mathematics.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Research Engineer with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting literature reviews and staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in your field to inform your work.
  • Assisting senior researchers in designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results.
  • Collaborating with team members to develop and implement research methodologies, ensuring adherence to ethical and safety guidelines.
  • Documenting research findings, preparing reports, and presenting results to stakeholders, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and potential applications of the research.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Research Engineer, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong technical skills in the specific field of research, such as machine learning, data science, or computer vision, to develop innovative solutions and algorithms.
  • Proficient programming skills in languages like Python, R, or MATLAB, to implement and analyze complex models and algorithms.
  • Solid knowledge of research methodologies, experimental design, and statistical analysis to conduct thorough investigations and draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail to identify and address research challenges, optimize models, and improve overall performance.

Essential Skills For Research Engineer

1

Robotics

2

Python

3

Research Analysis

Skills That Affect Research Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Python

6%

Research Analysis

1%

Career Prospects

For a Research Engineer job role with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Data Scientist: A role that involves analyzing and interpreting complex data sets to extract valuable insights and support decision-making processes.
  • Product Development Engineer: A position focused on designing, developing, and testing new products or improving existing ones, using scientific and technological knowledge.
  • Quality Assurance Engineer: A role that involves ensuring the quality and reliability of products or processes through testing, inspection, and adherence to regulatory standards.
  • Project Engineer: A position that involves managing and coordinating engineering projects, including planning, budgeting, and overseeing the execution of tasks to ensure successful project completion.

How to Learn

The job role of a research engineer in Australia is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis of this position, there is a strong upward trend in demand for research engineers. With advancements in technology and innovation, the need for research engineers is expected to continue growing. In the future, there will be numerous employment opportunities available for individuals pursuing this role. Recent data from Google indicates that research engineering is a promising field with ample scope for career development and job opportunities in Australia.