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.
Digital Systems Engineer Level 2/3
$101K - $151K *
Help us build digital engineering capabilities across major programs by developing an integrated model-based engineering environment, collaborating with teams, and implementing innovative solutions th...
3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, Fluid and Mechanical Systems (RX) (R6000)
$142K - $214K *
Partner with us to innovate fluid and mechanical systems for advanced UAVs. Engage in hands-on design, analysis, and integration to enhance aircraft performance and reliability while rapidly transitio...
3 weeks ago
Senior Space Embedded Software Engineer
$169K - $216K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space exploration by developing reliable embedded software for spacecraft operations. You'll oversee the entire software lifecycle, ensuring quality and perfor...
Yesterday
Senior Systems Engineer / Model-Based Systems Engineering Lead
$112K - $135K *
Shape complex systems engineering solutions in support of NAVAIR programs. Lead requirements development, system architecture, and integration across technical disciplines, ensuring successful project...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - GFC SME - Level 2
$83K - $125K *
Partner with us to support warfighter training as a Systems Engineer, providing SME guidance on missile defense systems and simulations through integration, analysis, and technical assistance to enhan...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the engineering team in aerospace manufacturing, driving technical solutions, and fostering talent development in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvem...
3 weeks ago
$92K - $110K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic R&D team, enhancing product compliance and performance through engineering expertise. Collaborate across functions to drive improvements in manufacturing processe...
6 days ago
Senior R&D Technical Project Manager
$140K - $200K *
Lead complex R&D projects in high-temperature superconducting magnet systems, interfacing with executives and technical teams. Drive innovation from concept to production, managing risks and ensuring...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Lead the charge in innovating system architecture focused on hardware and software integration. Drive cross-functional decisions and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure designs meet evolving custo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior-Staff Embedded Software Engineer
$130K - $160K *
Engineer reliable embedded software for pioneering microreactor systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure safe operation through effective firmware development, integrating sensors and hardware to e...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Specifications Engineer Senior - TRATON R&D US, LLC
$95K - $115K *
Design and implement product structures for modular systems, leading cross-functional teams to enhance BOM management. Drive innovation in product development while mentoring analysts and ensuring sea...
1 week ago
R&D Software Engineering Manager
$167K - $279K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software and firmware development. Lead an Agile engineering team, shape product strategy, and enhance customer experiences across IoT, mobile, and desktop app...
2 weeks ago
R&D Software Engineering Manager
$167K - $279K *
Unlock your potential by leading an Agile engineering team to innovate and drive product strategy across software and firmware, ensuring customer-centric solutions in IoT, mobile, and desktop applicat...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the development of innovative pump consumables through research and design. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, reliable products from concept to launch, addressing technical...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Avionics Systems Engineer, IPT Lead
$198K - $300K *
Lead the charge in defining and owning the avionics architecture for an unmanned aircraft system, ensuring seamless integration between onboard avionics and Ground Control Station, while driving modul...
1 week ago
$91K - $137K *
Drive innovation as a Systems Engineer, collaborating across teams to transform national defense capabilities through advanced engineering practices and model-based solutions, ensuring integration and...
1 week ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer, Enterprise AI Productivity
$200K - $275K *
Lead transformative AI initiatives by partnering with business leaders to identify opportunities and develop high-impact solutions. Combine technical expertise with business insights to drive producti...
3 weeks ago
Principal Process Engineer – Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing
$95K - $245K *
Unlock potential by providing technical leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Lead complex initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive process standardization to enhance yield and efficienc...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Advance your career by owning the optical subsystem design and integration for high-power directed energy systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions in a fast-p...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Engineer - Systems & Engineering Operations, Lunar HLS
$145K - $203K *
Explore the intersection of engineering and operations to define and enhance lunar landing systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure technical requirements are met while driving efficiency and...
5 days ago
Sr. Systems Engineer - Systems & Engineering Operations, Lunar HLS
$133K - $186K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on defining and certifying innovative lunar landers. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure safety and efficiency in delivering crit...
5 days ago
Senior Product Manufacturing Engineer
$86K - $165K *
Unlock potential by driving manufacturing process improvements and optimizing operations for Major Rotating Parts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance first pass yield and reduce costs...
6 days ago
$117K - $150K *
Engineer comprehensive systems solutions through technical planning, integration, and validation. Drive performance metrics and manage engineering processes to ensure effectiveness and supportability...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Development Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovation in optical interconnect technologies, leading the design and development of advanced solutions for high-performance computing and networking applications, while collaborating with...
Yesterday
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer, Enterprise AI Productivity
$200K - $275K *
Empower business transformation by designing and deploying innovative AI solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive productivity improvements, architect scalable platforms, and define success m...
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.