how many degrees should i get to be an engineer/ researcher

You can be an engineer right now. All that means is that you figure out how to make things nobody else has. Anyone can have a good idea. That said, to make a career of it you need at least one degree in engineering. Or something similar like physics or chemistry with some experience like an internship to back it up. To be a researcher you usually need a PhD. I was a research engineer for NASA for about 10 years, during and after grad school, and it can be fun. But the job security just isn't there right now, with the government cutting back on grants. I have a PhD in space and atmospheric science, but I'm working for an internet company making people's streamed movies get to them faster.

Honestly, though, most companies that know what they're doing are hiring smart people that they can train in the specifics of a job. I wish that most companies knew what they were doing, though! I don't think the NUMBER of degrees is nearly as important as what the degree(s) is in, what caliber of school it's from, and, far more important than any of that, what you've DONE. Work experience, even internships, count far more than degrees.

You only need one degree Miranda - higher level degrees (masters and doctorates) can add greatly to your specialism - but before you plan out studying for further degrees, figure out what are the broad areas/businesses/products you would like to work within.
Are you interested in electronics, software, mechanics, chemicals and materials, medical devices, energy, etc? Honing down on a few of these topics will help you determine what type of engineering or research orientated degree you should go for - irrespective of what choices you make later on further education.