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.
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by integrating systems engineering and digital methodologies to develop advanced defense capabilities. Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to enhance sensor-to-shooter integrat...
6 days ago
Engineer, AD/ADAS Vehicle Integration
$95K - $115K *
Optimize vehicle software integration for advanced driving systems, ensuring conformity and uptime. Collaborate across teams to troubleshoot and enhance testing processes, while maintaining communicat...
Reposted 1 week ago
Enterprise - Senior System Engineer - Linux, JCIDS, DoDAF
$245K - $285K *
Innovate system engineering solutions by analyzing requirements, guiding design, and ensuring technical integrity. Lead integration efforts, develop documentation, and collaborate with stakeholders to...
1 week ago
Lead Design Engineer - Electrical Systems
$89K - $148K *
Contribute to innovative designs for gas turbine power plants, ensuring optimal integration and performance. Engage in cross-functional collaboration, delivering engineering excellence and technical s...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Design Engineer - Electrical Systems
$89K - $148K *
Unlock your potential as a Design Engineer, leading projects to enhance gas turbine power plants. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while ensuring safety, efficie...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Spacecraft Development Engineer
$100K - $160K *
Lead innovative projects in spacecraft development, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance and deliver exceptional space vehicles while ensuring compliance with custo...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your expertise by driving innovation in non-basic refractory products through R&D. Collaborate with global teams to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance product performance, and provide t...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineering Manager- RF
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic engineering team to develop cutting-edge Electronic Warfare solutions. Drive technical strategy, mentor talent, and ensure successful program execution while shap...
Yesterday
Principal or Sr. Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer
$108K - $163K *
Innovate and contribute to the design and testing of undersea hardware. Collaborate with a diverse team to solve complex engineering challenges while managing technical, schedule, and cost constraints...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion systems engineering efforts for a Navigation and Positioning project, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with DO-278 guidelines while enhancing system integrity an...
Yesterday
Principal Integration Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead integration efforts for modernizing space launch ranges, ensuring mission success through advanced systems architecture and collaboration across engineering disciplines to enhance operational cap...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by joining a dynamic team focused on building and managing enterprise data foundations that drive AI, analytics, and cloud applications, ensuring data accuracy, security, and gov...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Unlock your potential as an engineer supporting the development and deployment of critical Ship Control Systems for U.S. Navy submarines, ensuring mission readiness through collaboration and innovatio...
Reposted 1 week ago
$79K - $147K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving engineering excellence through effective project coordination, ensuring compliance with standards, and fostering collaboration across dynamic organizations to a...
6 days ago
Chief Systems Engineer Architect Lead
$135K - $160K *
Transform enterprise systems engineering with innovative cloud solutions. Lead technical initiatives for large-scale government networks, guiding multidisciplinary teams in optimizing cybersecurity an...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $150K *
Join a dynamic R&D team to design and develop innovative wireless communication systems. Lead projects from prototyping to testing while collaborating with engineers to solve complex challenges in a h...
3 weeks ago
Manager Systems Engineering 2 - Logistics Program Mgmt
$153K - $230K *
Shape strategic success by leading a diverse Product Support team, driving program management excellence and fostering cross-functional collaboration for mission-critical systems within the defense re...
3 weeks ago
Senior Integration and Test Engineer, Lab Operations
$82K - $220K *
Drive integration and testing excellence by managing lab operations, mitigating risks, and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency and ensure successful project delivery wh...
Today
Senior GRC Engineer (Special Programs)
$110K - $130K *
Optimize client compliance engagements by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF standards while driving operational excellence and fostering strong rel...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer
$106K - $159K *
Engineer innovative mechanical designs for cardiac electrophysiology devices, driving product development from concept to manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance patient care...
3 days ago
Principal Mission Systems Engineer, IPT Lead
$198K - $300K *
Transform mission systems architecture for advanced aircraft, ensuring alignment with USAF operational needs. Drive design decisions, translate CONOPS into requirements, and lead integration efforts f...
1 week ago
Senior Product Design Engineer
$172K - $203K *
Shape the future of wearables by leading innovative design and development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prototype and refine consumer devices with precision and passion in a dynamic, fa...
Reposted 4 days ago
$129K - $239K *
Drive project excellence as a Project Engineer, collaborating with diverse teams to manage technical scope, cost, and schedule while ensuring alignment with program objectives and delivering value-foc...
Today
$145K - $269K *
Manage project execution for the Fleet Ballistic Missiles program, collaborating with Navy and Lockheed Martin stakeholders to drive risk management and program success through effective communication...
Today
$129K - $239K *
Lead the execution of engineering projects within the FBM program, collaborating with Navy stakeholders to drive program success, manage risks, and ensure compliance with engineering standards and cus...
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.