Great, remote jobs for scientists and engineers

Generally, the jobs that lend themselves well to remote work are those that are primarily or even entirely knowledge-based. Scientists and engineers, pretty much by definition, are knowledge-based workers.

We wanted to learn at a little more of a granular level what kinds of jobs can best be performed remotely by those who are scientists and engineers. Here is what 14 hiring experts recommended.

• Analyze Data as Remote Sensing Scientist
• Systems, Data, and Hardware Engineering Remotely
• Remote Contributions in Science and Engineering
• Remote Research, Software, and Project Management
• Remote Data, Environmental, and Biotech Roles
• Data, Software, and Environmental Engineering Remotely
• Software Engineering, Data Science, and Technical Writing
• Data Scientist, Power Systems, and Distribution Engineer
• Data, Electrical, and Civil Engineering from Home
• Data Analysis, Environmental Consulting, Software Engineering
• Cloud Architect, Environmental Engineer, QA Engineer
• Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Architect
• Consulting, Programming, and Simulation Engineering
• Biomedical, Environmental, and R&D Engineering Remotely

Analyze Data as Remote Sensing Scientist

Remote Sensing Scientist: This role involves analyzing data collected from satellites, aircraft, or drones to monitor environmental changes, track weather patterns, or manage natural resources. Remote sensing scientists can work from anywhere, using advanced software to process and interpret geographical and atmospheric data to support research and practical applications.

Biostatistician: A biostatistician working remotely can design studies, analyze clinical trial data, and contribute to medical research from home. This role is crucial in health sciences for developing new drugs and treatments, analyzing the efficacy of interventions, and understanding public health trends. They use statistical software to model biological processes and outcomes, sharing their findings through reports and presentations.

Software Engineer for Computational Simulations: Engineers in this field develop algorithms and create simulations to test the physical properties of materials, fluid dynamics, or mechanical systems. This job can be done entirely online, using simulation software to conduct experiments that would be impractical or impossible in the physical world. It’s particularly valuable in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries for optimizing designs before prototype testing.

Scott Foley, Career Coach, Scott Foley Career Coaching

Systems, Data, and Hardware Engineering Remotely

One promising remote job in engineering is a Remote Systems Engineer. They design and maintain complex systems from anywhere, leveraging cloud-based tools. This role has seen a 25% increase in remote job postings over the past year. Secondly, Remote Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights and drive decision-making. The demand for data scientists has surged by 30% since 2020. Lastly, Remote Hardware Design Engineer positions are emerging. Using simulation tools and virtual prototyping, they develop and test hardware components remotely. There has been a 20% rise in remote opportunities in the hardware sector.

Will Li, Hardware Engineer, MOKO Technology

Remote Contributions in Science and Engineering

Remote research scientists have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries from anywhere in the world, conducting research and analyzing data to advance knowledge in their respective fields. Similarly, remote software engineers utilize their programming skills to develop innovative solutions and contribute to the creation of software applications and systems, collaborating with teams virtually to tackle complex challenges. Remote environmental engineers play a vital role in promoting sustainability and addressing environmental concerns, working on projects related to pollution control, renewable energy, and water resource management, all while leveraging remote communication tools and data analysis techniques to fulfill their roles effectively from a remote location. These remote jobs offer individuals interested in science and engineering the flexibility to work from anywhere while making meaningful contributions to their respective fields.

John Werner, President & CEO, Pilot John

Remote Research, Software, and Project Management

Three excellent remote jobs for individuals interested in science or engineering include remote research scientists, remote software engineers, and remote project managers. Research scientists can conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific advancements from anywhere with internet access.

Software engineers develop and maintain software applications, collaborating with teams remotely to ensure the functionality and security of programs. Remote project managers oversee engineering projects, coordinating tasks, managing resources, and facilitating communication among team members, all while working remotely to ensure project success.

Julian Bruening, CEO, MLP Software Development

Remote Data, Environmental, and Biotech Roles

Explore three flourishing fields in science and engineering offering remote flexibility. As a data scientist, dive into analyzing large datasets to tackle complex problems, leveraging your coding and statistics skills from the comfort of your home office.

Environmental engineers can develop sustainable solutions remotely, using software to design eco-friendly projects that address environmental challenges. Biotech researchers conduct crucial research on diseases or medications, potentially collaborating with international teams virtually. Let’s delve into finding your ideal fit in this dynamic and flexible landscape.

Khunshan Ahmad, CEO, InsideTechWorld

Data, Software, and Environmental Engineering Remotely

Data analysts, software engineers, and environmental engineers are all good options for remote contracts. 

Data analysts can do the entirety of the work that they do on a regular basis remotely, as data collection, analysis, modeling, and reporting to make data-driven decisions are just as easily done from home as they are from the office. BI analysts might need to be more hybrid, but most other roles in machine learning, predictive analytics, and the like are fair game. 

Software engineers can definitely find opportunities to design, develop, test, and maintain software and apps remotely. This is pretty prevalent already, so I think this is probably the easiest field to find remote jobs in if you have the qualifications for the role.  

One that’s a bit less obvious is environmental engineer. You typically work virtually, but combine that with being on location as you’re going to be addressing issues like pollution control, water management, and sustainability from where you are taking those measurements—if you’re the hands-on sort. If not, there are plenty of fully remote tasks like impact assessments, regulatory compliance, and remediation projects.

Kate Kandefer, CEO, SEOwind

Software Engineering, Data Science, and Technical Writing

This is a bit of an easier field than most to work in remotely, something that I can say with a good deal of experience from my past life as a software engineer. My suggestion would be to look into becoming a remote software engineer, as that really just relies on your ability to program rather than your location most of the time. Beyond that, data scientists can analyze large data sets and extract insights remotely just as easily as they can in person, and remote technical writers are in extremely high demand if you spend some time looking through Monster or Indeed. They need to be able to create strong documentation remotely for scientific research or engineering projects, requiring well-honed writing and communication skills.

Dragos Badea, CEO, Yarooms

Data Scientist, Power Systems, and Distribution Engineer

Data Scientist: This role combines your scientific background with computer programming. You’ll analyze large datasets to uncover trends and insights, helping companies make data-driven decisions. It’s a rapidly growing field with plenty of remote opportunities.

Power Systems Studies Engineer: If you enjoy working with electrical systems, this could be a great fit. You’ll analyze and model power grids to ensure they run efficiently and reliably. Many engineering firms allow remote work for this type of role.

Distribution Engineer: This engineering role focuses on the design and maintenance of the power lines that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. While some aspects might require occasional field visits, the analytical and planning aspects can often be done remotely.

Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded

Data, Electrical, and Civil Engineering from Home

In the engineering field, the position of a Data Engineer offers a fantastic opportunity for remote work. These professionals focus on preparing ‘big data’ for analytical or operational uses. The nature of their work, primarily involving coding and database management, makes it well-adapted to a remote setting, where they can securely access and manipulate large datasets from anywhere.

Another role ideal for remote workers is an Electrical Engineer specializing in designing and developing electrical systems. With the help of simulation software, they can prototype and test circuits and systems remotely, collaborating with their teams online.

Finally, a Civil Engineer focusing on project planning and design can also find remote work opportunities. Utilizing cloud-based collaborative design software, they can contribute to planning, designing, and overseeing construction projects without being physically present on-site.

Tony Mariotti, CEO, RubyHome

Data Analysis, Environmental Consulting, Software Engineering

For remote workers keen on science or engineering, three roles stand out: data analyst, where one can interpret and visualize data from anywhere; environmental consultant, offering the flexibility to work on projects globally while conducting research remotely; and software engineer, focusing on developing and testing software solutions across various industries. These positions leverage digital collaboration tools, allowing for significant contributions to their fields without the need for a traditional office setting, embodying the blend of flexibility and innovation.

Robin Luo, Founder, ICRFQ

Cloud Architect, Environmental Engineer, QA Engineer

Remote work in the engineering sector has grown to include roles such as a Cloud Solutions Architect. This position involves designing and implementing scalable, secure cloud infrastructures for businesses—a task that can be performed entirely remotely, given the cloud-based nature of the work. Collaboration with teams across the globe to deploy and manage cloud systems can be facilitated through virtual meetings and project management tools.

Additionally, Environmental Engineers have the capacity to work remotely, especially those focused on data analysis and environmental impact assessments. They can gather and analyze data, develop reports, and communicate findings all from a home office.

Lastly, the role of a QA (Quality Assurance) Engineer in the software domain is highly conducive to remote work. They test and debug software products to ensure they meet required standards before release, tasks that can be effectively managed through remote access to development environments and collaborative tools for bug tracking and communication.

David Ciccarelli, CEO, Lake

Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Architect

The tech sector’s shift toward remote work has highlighted several key roles perfectly.

One of which is the Remote Software Engineer. This role allows for significant innovation and teamwork from any location, using your programming skills to contribute to groundbreaking projects with the freedom of remote work.

Second is the Virtual Data Scientist. Highly sought-after, this role involves analyzing data to inform strategic decisions, made possible through advanced remote tools and platforms that support working from anywhere.

And third, the Remote Cloud Architect. This position entails designing and managing scalable cloud solutions, and facilitating work from a distance while guiding strategic cloud initiatives.

These roles essentially showcase the adaptability and potential for professionals in science and engineering to impact their fields remotely, making great use of the flexibility and technological advancements characteristic of the current era.

Alvin Poh, Chairman, CLDY

Consulting, Programming, and Simulation Engineering

Besides consultancy roles, there is a variety in the engineering and scientific communities, including professionals in computer programming and software development categories. These two professions allow people to work independently, using their technical capabilities, from wherever they wish to stay. To be more specific, consulting is a very versatile job, providing various project-based options. Positions in software and programming have been designed to be suitable for work distribution in virtual teams. Additionally, engineering tasks, such as CFD or FEM simulations for design elements, can already be performed remotely using suitable instruments or tailor-made resources. The uniqueness and adaptability of remote science and engineering positions are among the top reasons for their popularity among professionals who want to include these features in their professional lives.

Lee Odierno, Personal Injury Lawyer, The Odierno Law Firm, P.C.

Biomedical, Environmental, and R&D Engineering Remotely

A Remote Biomedical Engineer is a great fit for those interested in science and engineering. They design medical equipment and devices. Remote roles in this field have grown by 35% due to technological advancements. A Remote Environmental Engineer role is ideal. They assess environmental impact, design sustainable solutions, and collaborate with stakeholders virtually. Lastly, Remote R&D Engineer positions are on the rise. These engineers innovate and develop new products or technologies remotely. Remote R&D roles have seen a 22% growth rate, reflecting the shift toward flexible work arrangements in the engineering sector.

Gavin Yi, CEO, Yijin Hardware