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.
Staff Systems Engineer (Lead) (26-499)
$161K - $253K *
Lead systems engineering efforts in missile defense, guiding a team to deliver high-quality capabilities. Collaborate across disciplines to define architecture, manage requirements, and ensure compreh...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $112K *
Oversee coordination with engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions, manage technical baselines, and ensure project milestones are met while navigating technical, schedule, and cost constraint...
Reposted 1 week ago
R&D Mechanical Engineer - Handling and Test Gear Engineering Group, Onsite
$121K - $237K *
Drive innovation in mechanical design and testing as part of a dynamic R&D team. Collaborate with engineers to develop, prototype, and verify handling and test gear, ensuring successful project execut...
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
Mechanical Engineer - AI Rack Scale Systems
$175K - $400K *
Champion the development of innovative AI compute hardware by designing and integrating mechanical assemblies to meet OCP specs, ensuring optimal performance, fit, and user experience throughout the p...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$105K - $130K *
Drive quality assurance excellence by collaborating across teams to elevate manufacturing standards and ensure products meet rigorous customer requirements, ultimately enhancing lives through superior...
3 weeks ago
$205K - $381K *
Optimize interdisciplinary design and integration of complex aerospace systems. Serve as a key technical advisor, ensuring sound solutions and schedules while balancing technical needs with business c...
6 days ago
$205K - $381K *
Champion the technical execution of UCS Re-architecture IR&D, managing cost, schedule, and performance while aligning investments with strategic goals. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and...
6 days ago
$92K - $138K *
Shape the future of engineering leadership by managing Nacelle and Engine programs, enhancing designs, and orchestrating cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across...
2 weeks ago
$92K - $138K *
Lead engineering programs, manage teams, and drive innovative solutions in Nacelle and Engine Build Up projects while collaborating with cross-functional groups and overseeing deliverables to meet tec...
2 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
Principal Systems Engineer - AV Sensor Design
$238K - $365K *
Unlock your potential as a principal systems engineer, leading lidar technology development and integration for advanced autonomy systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation a...
5 days ago
Embedded Software Engineer - Sustaining Engineering
$90K - $110K *
Innovate embedded software solutions by enhancing deployed systems, ensuring performance and security. Collaborate cross-functionally to troubleshoot and implement updates, maintaining product reliabi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. Embedded Flight Software Engineer
$143K - $238K *
Transform the future of aerospace technology by designing and implementing embedded flight software systems while ensuring robust performance through meticulous development and verification processes...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of maritime technology by designing and integrating advanced electrical systems for sensing platforms, ensuring robust performance and collaboration across engineering teams...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Mechatronics & Controls Engineer(Onsite)
$132K - $251K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aerospace actuation technologies. Lead multidisciplinary efforts in algorithm development and mechatronic system design, ensuring safety and performance in adv...
Reposted 2 days ago
Sr. Embedded Flight Software Engineer
$143K - $238K *
Create innovative flight software for embedded systems, ensuring quality through documentation and testing. Design, implement, and oversee software lifecycles while collaborating with cross-functional...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Embedded Flight Software Engineer
$124K - $206K *
Drive innovation in embedded flight software by designing, implementing, and verifying software on real-time operating systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high standards in soft...
3 weeks 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
$95K - $234K *
Champion the management of multi-disciplinary teams in nuclear fuel experimentation, ensuring project milestones and quality standards are met while fostering collaboration with national and internati...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $240K *
Lead a dynamic team in providing Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory services for complex space systems, ensuring mission success through effective oversight, requirement management, and lifecy...
6 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on designing and delivering advanced systems for Submarine Warfare. Collaborate with experts to analyze requirements, manage integrations, and ens...
4 days ago
$110K - $180K *
Drive impactful investigations by applying your expertise in human factors and safety consulting. Engage with diverse industries, utilizing your skills to enhance safety standards, conduct thorough re...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead a dynamic team in providing systems engineering and technical advisory services for advanced space and ground architectures, ensuring mission success through effective oversight and integration o...
1 week ago
$120K - $170K *
Empower electrical infrastructure by leading assessments and analysis, driving system performance and reliability. Engage in hands-on evaluations, roadmap improvements, and ensure operations align wit...
Reposted 3 weeks 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.