Research Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Research engineer jobs in Ohio are concentrated in Columbus, Cleveland, and Dayton, where defense contractors, research universities, and advanced manufacturing companies drive consistent hiring at every level from entry-level associate to principal researcher. Employers like Battelle, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Raytheon Technologies maintain deep research and development footprints in the state, with openings across materials science, autonomous systems, and applied physics. Ohio's long-standing position as a federal defense and energy research hub keeps demand steady year-round. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 16+ Research Engineer jobs
- Support prototyping, development, and support transition of advanced OPIR data processing algorithms
- Evaluate and troubleshoot data processing, identify anomalies, and coordinate remediation strategies
- Support development of white papers, technical documentation, and transition plans
- Collaborate with research organizations, DoD stakeholders, and external agencies
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Advanced understanding of EO/IR signal processing, AI/ML processing, and target system phenomenology
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
- 2+ years of experience in EO/IR algorithm development
- Detailed experience with OPIR data formats and processing pipelines
- Advanced Python development skills
- Strong analytical skills and ability to diagnose sensor performance, data anomalies, and software issues
- Experience with OPIR analysis
- Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
- Experience collaborating with NGA, NASIC or other intelligence community organizations
- Support prototyping, development, and support transition of advanced OPIR data processing algorithms
- Evaluate and troubleshoot data processing, identify anomalies, and coordinate remediation strategies
- Support development of white papers, technical documentation, and transition plans
- Collaborate with research organizations, DoD stakeholders, and external agencies
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Advanced understanding of EO/IR signal processing, AI/ML processing, and target system phenomenology
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
- 2+ years of experience in EO/IR algorithm development
- Detailed experience with OPIR data formats and processing pipelines
- Advanced Python development skills
- Strong analytical skills and ability to diagnose sensor performance, data anomalies, and software issues
- Experience with OPIR analysis
- Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
- Experience collaborating with NGA, NASIC or other intelligence community organizations
See All 16 Research Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Engineer JobsResearch Engineer Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Engineer Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
- Manufacturing
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research engineer jobs across Ohio.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a closely related technical discipline required
- Experience designing and executing controlled experiments with documented, reproducible results
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent scientific software
- Ability to obtain or maintain a federal security clearance for defense or government-funded programs
- Strong technical writing skills for preparing research proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed publications
- Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and institutional review or compliance requirements
Research Engineer Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research engineer in Ohio?
Most research engineer roles in Ohio require at least a bachelor's degree in an engineering or applied science field, with a master's or doctoral degree preferred for independent research positions. Ohio does not require a state-issued license specifically for research engineers, though roles that involve professional engineering sign-off require an Ohio Professional Engineer license from the State of Ohio Engineers and Surveyors Board. Many Ohio employers, especially those with federal contracts, also require candidates to be eligible for a security clearance.
Which companies hire research engineers in Ohio?
Employers hiring research engineers in Ohio right now include Riverside Research, American Honda Motor, and EWI, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Ohio's concentration of federally funded labs, defense primes, and university-affiliated research centers means openings appear across a wide range of disciplines and contract types.
Which Ohio cities have the most research engineer jobs?
The cities with the most research engineer openings in Ohio are Dayton, Columbus, and Raymond. Columbus draws the most postings through Battelle, Ohio State University research affiliates, and a growing technology sector, while Dayton's volume reflects the long presence of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and its network of defense contractors, and Cleveland benefits from NASA Glenn and a strong biomedical research community.
Are there remote research engineer jobs in Ohio?
Yes, but they're rare. Research engineering frequently requires hands-on laboratory work, prototype development, or access to controlled test environments, which limits how much of the role can be done remotely. About 50% of research engineer openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those that are tend to involve data analysis, modeling, simulation, or research coordination rather than direct lab work.
How can I get hired as a research engineer in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a co-op or internship at a major Ohio research institution while completing an engineering degree, since employers like Battelle, NASA Glenn, and defense contractors in the Dayton area routinely convert strong co-op students into full-time hires. Adjacent roles such as research technician, lab engineer, or test engineer at Ohio manufacturing or defense firms also provide a credible bridge. A strong thesis project, a published conference paper, or a portfolio of documented experiments can make a new-graduate candidate competitive where work history is limited.
Where can I find and apply to research engineer jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to research engineer jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current Ohio openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 16 Research Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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