R&D Systems Engineers help turn complex ideas into reliable products and systems. Working across research, engineering, and product teams, they translate requirements into designs, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and guide solutions from early concepts through testing and deployment. Explore vetted R&D Systems Engineer opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
Responsibilities vary by industry and employer, but may include defining system requirements, developing architectures, coordinating hardware and software integration, modeling system performance, and verifying that designs meet technical and regulatory standards. These engineers also document decisions, assess risks, troubleshoot issues, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
Employers commonly seek experience in systems engineering, research and development, requirements management, technical analysis, and product testing. Familiarity with tools for modeling, simulation, data analysis, or configuration management can be valuable. Clear communication, structured problem-solving, and the ability to work across disciplines are important in roles involving complex products and programs.
R&D Systems Engineers may work in aerospace, defense, medical devices, robotics, automotive, telecommunications, energy, and other technology-driven fields. Depending on the role, they can focus on system architecture, integration and test, systems modeling, product development, or technical program leadership. Senior opportunities may include principal engineer, systems architect, or engineering leadership positions.
Browse R&D Systems Engineer openings on Ladders to discover vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Review role requirements, compare employers and responsibilities, and find positions that align with your technical background and career goals.
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative cooling solutions through hands-on design, testing, and validation of refrigeration products while collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to ensure suc...
3 weeks ago
R&D Eng SME (SRM Propulsion) (Remote Option Available)
$180K - $235K *
Lead advanced R&D initiatives for Solid Rocket Motor technologies, driving feasibility studies, design, and testing. Provide technical leadership across programs and serve as the primary interface for...
Today
$117K - $156K *
Elevate strategic decision-making by managing integrated program plans, ensuring accurate portfolio data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced...
1 week ago
$93K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team as a technical resource, enhancing enterprise applications and infrastructure services. Drive operational excellence, support cross-functional initiatives, and ensure reliable, sec...
Today
Senior Engineering Manager (RD165)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...
1 week ago
Senior/Principal R&D Systems Engineer - Space-Based Remote Sensing Researcher, Onsite
$117K - $235K *
Innovate in remote sensing research by leading complex projects, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and driving technical excellence in space-based applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary t...
1 week ago
$124K - $238K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of spacecraft systems engineering. Leverage your expertise to lead cross-functional teams in developing complex spacecraft designs, ensuring compliance, and drivi...
1 week ago
Sr Systems Engineer- Production Support
$110K - $130K *
Support the operational efficiency of complex application cloud systems. Collaborate with teams to detect, document, and resolve system outages, ensuring compliance with standards while utilizing cont...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
1 week ago
Director, Research and Development
$125K - $135K *
Lead the technology strategy for a dynamic software development team, overseeing modernization efforts and AI integration across multiple product lines. Foster innovation, accountability, and continuo...
6 days ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Liquid Cooling Systems
$137K - $171K *
Engineer cutting-edge mechanical cooling and hydraulic systems for modular AI data centers. Drive design, integration, and commissioning of innovative solutions, ensuring efficiency and reliability ac...
2 weeks ago
Vice President Research & Development
$120K - $140K *
Empower the R&D organization by leading technology strategy, engineering execution, and team development across a diverse healthcare software portfolio, ensuring alignment with market needs and operat...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing systems-level software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet operational specifications and enhance SAP functionali...
1 week ago
Principal Software Verification & Validation Engineer
$168K - $280K *
Lead the charge in enhancing flight software validation and verification processes, impacting critical aerospace projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with rigorous st...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Structural Analysis Engineer
$104K - $173K *
Lead the charge in spacecraft structural analysis. Collaborate with engineers to ensure design integrity through advanced simulations, testing, and documentation in a fast-paced environment focused on...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $144K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...
6 days ago
$101K - $188K *
Unlock potential by driving advancements in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and prototype cutting-edge algorithms that enh...
Today
Avionics/ Staff Command and Data Handling Engineer
$117K - $195K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge avionics architectures for diverse missions. Leverage your expertise in command and data handling to optimize system performance and ensure seamless integrat...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - AI Rack Scale Systems
$160K - $500K+*
Deliver innovative mechanical designs for AI compute systems, enhancing data center capabilities. Collaborate on all facets of product development, ensuring high-quality assembly and performance throu...
3 weeks ago
Principal Systems Engineer - AV Sensor Design
$238K - $365K *
Join a team that's redefining lidar technology for autonomy products. Lead the technical strategy, collaborate with experts, and drive innovations from concept to production, ensuring performance and...
5 days ago
Sr. Embedded Flight Software Engineer
$143K - $238K *
Shape the future of embedded flight software by designing robust solutions for real-time operating systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and maintain critical systems...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovative thermal solutions for power products, utilizing advanced simulations and engineering expertise to meet customer...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of passenger rail by leading mechanical systems integration and validation. Collaborate with suppliers and clients to ensure compliance and deliver manufacturable designs for refurbis...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Distributed Control Systems
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of industrial control systems by leading the development and implementation of sophisticated electrical and control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project...
3 weeks ago
$107K - $204K *
Join our team to lead the development and modernization of a critical software platform, driving architectural updates and AI integration while mentoring junior developers and ensuring compliance with...
Today
What does an R&D Systems Engineer do?
An R&D Systems Engineer develops and evaluates integrated systems, translating stakeholder and product needs into technical requirements, architectures, and test plans. The role often includes coordinating disciplines, assessing performance and risk, and supporting designs through verification and development.
What qualifications are common for R&D Systems Engineer jobs?
Many roles require a degree in engineering or a related technical field, along with experience in systems engineering, product development, or research and development. Specific requirements depend on the industry and may include expertise in modeling, requirements tools, testing, or regulated products.
Which industries hire R&D Systems Engineers?
Employers hire R&D Systems Engineers across industries such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, robotics, automotive, telecommunications, energy, and advanced technology.
How much do R&D Systems Engineer jobs pay?
Compensation varies by experience, location, industry, and scope of responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying R&D Systems Engineer opportunities.
What career paths can follow an R&D Systems Engineer role?
Career paths may lead to senior or principal systems engineering, systems architecture, technical program management, product development leadership, or engineering management.