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.
System Architect, New Products
$130K - $160K *
Transform the future of AI by architecting core building blocks for agentic systems, ensuring robust infrastructure and shared primitives that enhance collaboration across teams and drive innovation i...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Controls Engineering - Remote
$121K - $218K *
Engage in leading a high-performing engineering team to drive product development, ensuring robust design and lifecycle management of complex infrastructure solutions while fostering collaboration acr...
2 days ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis
$84K - $129K *
Elevate your career by applying your expertise in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to design and optimize nuclear power plant systems. Collaborate with clients and mentor junior engineers while driv...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (USA)
$120K - $145K *
Empower your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading cutting-edge designs for high-capacity data centers, while collaborating with top industry professionals on impactful, mission-critical pro...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer I
$100K - $123K *
Unlock potential by leading supplier audits and performance evaluations. Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with industry standards while fostering str...
1 week ago
$148K - $193K *
Join a dynamic team as a Program Manager, leading complex projects from inception to completion. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage resources, and drive innovation while ensuring client sat...
1 week ago
$130K - $141K *
Join us to design and develop high-performance mechanical solutions for airborne systems. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative aviation technologies that empower defense operations and enhan...
Reposted 1 week ago
Member of Technical Staff, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining theoretical physics through innovative AI tools. Collaborate to develop groundbreaking technology solutions that enhance research, streamline processes, and drive scienti...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing theoretical physics through innovative tech development. Contribute to creating the AI Physicist, enhancing research capabilities with cutting-edge tools and algorit...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Analyst, Program Cost Controls
$68K - $131K *
Shape program success by developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules, ensuring compliance with requirements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance goals and enha...
Yesterday
$125K - $150K *
Champion security excellence by driving secure SDLC practices, managing compliance, and leading incident response. Collaborate with DevOps and ensure robust risk management practices to protect vital...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Cost Estimating Analyst
$76K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by leading cost estimating efforts for complex aerospace systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop accurate estimates and support both commercial and government...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Designer 1 - Nuclear Power
$77K - $118K *
Advance the design of innovative mechanical systems by leading project teams in 3D modeling, troubleshooting, and creating detailed engineering drawings. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary experts to...
3 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Designer 1 - Nuclear Power
$77K - $118K *
Unlock your potential as a mechanical design leader driving innovative solutions in a dynamic engineering environment, collaborating with multi-disciplined teams on complex mechanical designs and 3D m...
3 weeks ago
$104K - $134K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative mechanical designs for mission-critical facilities. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, execute complex projects, and enhance mechanical design expertise i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Structural Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
$68K - $104K *
Join a dynamic structural design team to shape innovative engineering solutions. Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to develop 3D structural designs, solve complex issues, and mentor junior talen...
4 weeks ago
Senior AI Software Engineer, Agentic Systems & Data Fabric
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by joining a cross-functional team to design and implement scalable AI workflows on a multi-cloud data platform, ensuring secure data governance and integration for enterprise applica...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to design and develop secure backend services and APIs that enhance platform capabilities, drive enterprise adoption, and support innovative solutions leveraging AI and modern architecture...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Optimize the AI core systems transforming public records into actionable data. Collaborate with research and engineering to enhance scalability, efficiency, and accuracy across national applications...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and maintaining advanced IT infrastructure platforms, ensuring reliability and security. Collaborate with teams to optimize solutions, automate processes, and enhance...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer (Antarctic Support Contract)
$92K - $166K *
Transform critical systems for the US Antarctic Program by designing, deploying, and maintaining Linux-based infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead operations in a unique, mi...
6 days ago
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of high-speed analog design by leading layout development for complex analog and mixed-signal IP blocks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success w...
Yesterday
Principal Analog Layout Design Engineer/Lead
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in high-speed analog layout design for cutting-edge optical communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior e...
Yesterday
$120K - $215K *
Drive innovative systems engineering processes to enhance design, integration, and management of complex nuclear systems. Ensure cohesive functionality and project compliance by leading teams and appl...
4 weeks ago
$170K - $234K *
Drive the architecture and development of audio signal processing technology, leading complex engineering efforts and ensuring high-quality, reusable DSP components across multiple product lines...
2 days ago
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.