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Principal Research Engineer

Real-Time InnovationsUS RemoteEngineering
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Salary
Not listed
Job type
Full-time
Work mode
Remote
Posted
23 Mar 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Real-Time Innovations seeks a Principal Research Engineer to lead advanced technological research and development from a remote location within the United States. This individual contributor opportunity suits an experienced researcher passionate about shaping the future of autonomous systems, physical AI, and secure real-time connectivity platforms.

Role Overview

As a Principal Research Engineer, the chosen professional will investigate emerging technologies, invent novel solutions for research sponsors, and prototype concepts for upcoming products. Working closely with product development, field teams, and business development, this role requires designing advanced features for the Connext secure real-time connectivity platform. Responsibilities involve driving innovation while ensuring that cutting-edge research transitions smoothly into tangible real-world applications.

Key Responsibilities

Pioneer new solutions that establish the foundation for fast, secure, and adaptable distributed systems.
Partner with the business development team to pinpoint research areas of interest and formulate proposal topics.
Draft research proposals, manage projects, and report progress directly to external sponsors.
Execute and lead externally-funded research contracts to advance company technology.
Function as a Principal Investigator or Staff Member on sponsored research contracts.
Interface regularly with research partners, project sponsors, customers, and industry prospects.
Build deep expertise in emerging technologies and share valuable insights across the organization.
Publish technical papers and deliver presentations detailing innovative findings.
Support the transition of technical innovations into product offerings through customer trials, product management coordination, and close collaboration with engineering teams.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Research expertise spanning distributed systems, physical agentic AI, computer networking, or intelligent, autonomous, and electromechanical systems.
An experimental thesis or hands-on real-world experience involving distributed systems research or physical applications.
Strong written communication skills accompanied by a history of research publications.
Proven track record in writing winning proposals and managing research projects.
Solid programming proficiency and familiarity with AI-assisted software development.
Capability to successfully engage and work alongside a highly distributed team.
Must qualify as a "U.S. Person" based on applicable laws, government regulations, and contract specifications.

Skills and Tools

Distributed Systems
Physical Agentic AI
Computer Networking
Autonomous and Intelligent Systems
AI-Assisted Software Development
Research Proposal Writing and Project Management
Technical Communication and Publication

Salary and Benefits

Flexible working schedule with remote work capabilities and a home office stipend.
Flexible Paid Time Off supplemented by a "Real Vacation Bonus" for taking uninterrupted vacations lasting longer than one week.
Competitive compensation package featuring an annual performance-based bonus and equity participation.

About the Company

Real-Time Innovations serves as the data-streaming backbone for intelligent distributed systems, powering critical infrastructure such as major power plants, NASA launch control, and air traffic control systems. Recognized repeatedly as a Great Place to Work and listed among the best companies for women to advance, the organization operates under a collaborative culture prioritizing teamwork, transparency, and a passion for enjoying the journey.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official Real-Time Innovations careers page to submit an application for this remote Principal Research Engineer position.

Questions candidates ask

What qualifications are required for the Principal Research Engineer role?

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, along with relevant research expertise in distributed systems, autonomous systems, or physical agentic AI. Candidates also need strong written communication skills, research publication experience, proposal-writing abilities, solid programming skills, and must qualify as a U.S. Person.

Is this position remote?

Yes, this role is designated as US Remote, allowing the employee to work from home with the support of a home office stipend and a flexible working schedule.

What are the primary duties of the Principal Research Engineer?

The role involves researching emerging technologies, inventing solutions for distributed systems, authoring research proposals, serving as a Principal Investigator on funded contracts, publishing technical papers, and collaborating with engineering teams to transition innovations into product offerings.

What benefits and perks are offered with this job?

Employees receive a competitive compensation package that includes an annual performance bonus, equity participation, a home office stipend, flexible working schedules, flexible paid time off, and a special bonus for taking extended uninterrupted vacations.

Do I need to meet every single qualification to apply?

No. The company encourages interested candidates to apply even if their past experience does not perfectly align with every stated qualification, as they are committed to building a fair and inclusive workplace.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Real-Time Innovations careers page.

Apply on company site