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.
Software Engineer / Research Scientist
$74K - $130K *
Build innovative Python applications and machine learning pipelines within a collaborative, cross-functional team. Drive software quality and CI/CD processes in a Linux environment while contributing...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $158K *
Unlock potential by overseeing electrical systems for aerospace testing, ensuring operational readiness through maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to e...
1 week ago
Senior Design and Analysis Engineer
$146K - $197K *
Transform engineering solutions for advanced fighter systems by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities and analyze data, ensuring the F-22 Raptor remains at the forefront of...
4 days ago
Principal Engineer Manufacturing
$98K - $148K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating manufacturing processes for advanced ceramics. As a Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer, you'll drive improvements, optimize production, and support cut...
3 days ago
Space Systems Integration Engineer
$200K - $240K *
Lead complex systems integration for advanced space capabilities, driving program planning and risk mitigation while collaborating with government and contractor teams to deliver innovative solutions...
1 week ago
Space Systems Integration Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in advancing space systems integration, applying your expertise to enhance U.S. Space Force capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive program execution, risk management, an...
1 week ago
Senior Manufacturing Engineer 3 - Manuf Eng Specialist
$95K - $115K *
Lead innovative manufacturing projects in a dynamic environment, driving quality and efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance processes and implement improvements, ensuring successful har...
5 days ago
Principal Electrical Power System Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Join us to lead the design and implementation of advanced electrical power systems, ensuring reliability and compliance for complex aerospace applications. Engage with cross-functional teams and drive...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $175K *
Lead and manage complex electrical engineering projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for industrial and commercial facilities while ensuring scope, schedul...
4 weeks ago
Sr Automation Machine Design Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by designing custom automation solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop advanced electromechanical systems, ensuring quality and safety. Drive innovation in fa...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by developing and validating materials for cutting-edge electrostatic actuators. This hands-on role combines experimental design, materials science, and lab prototyping to shape the...
5 days ago
$125K - $140K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading innovative projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver exceptional electrical design solutions while...
5 days ago
$125K - $140K *
Pioneer innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency, mentoring junior engine...
5 days ago
Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Linux (Onsite)
$107K - $204K *
Unlock the potential of advanced communication systems by leading the development of innovative embedded Linux software solutions. Collaborate with top experts to enhance military technology, ensuring...
1 week ago
Principal Space Systems Engineer - Space Superiority
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of space security by developing resilient spacecraft and mission systems. Leverage your expertise in spacecraft engineering and mission design to tackle complex c...
2 weeks ago
Principal Space Systems Engineer - Space Superiority
$130K - $155K *
Deliver innovative spacecraft solutions by leading cross-disciplinary teams in mission design, integration, and operations. Tackle complex challenges in space security, ensuring resilient capabilities...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower research by leveraging LLMs to design software and systems. You'll shape projects spanning maintenance to groundbreaking scientific exploration, enhancing researcher capabilities while cultiva...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Engines & Power Systems
$110K - $130K *
Drive the execution of new product development in aerospace, ensuring cost, capability, and manufacturability targets are met through collaboration with engineering and supply chain teams...
Today
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Avionics Integration
$140K - $180K *
Accelerate your career by designing and testing advanced avionics systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create reliable hardware for next-gen defense platforms, ensuring performance in d...
6 days ago
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
$62K - $237K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative mechanical solutions for rugged environments, overseeing the full design cycle from concept to delivery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle com...
1 week ago
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
$62K - $237K *
Invent innovative mechanical solutions to complex challenges, guiding projects from concept to delivery. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and prototype state-of-the-art systems for a...
Reposted 1 week ago
Project Engineer Asc - Early Career
$65K - $121K *
Elevate your career by coordinating engineering projects, ensuring compliance with standards, and resolving design challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical developments a...
Today
Project Engineer Asc - Early Career
$65K - $121K *
Drive the execution of engineering projects by coordinating planning, design compliance, and technical developments, ensuring alignment with standards and specifications while resolving design challen...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer - Open Source (RD217)
$148K - $201K *
Empower the development of our open source software solutions while collaborating with engineers and community contributors. Leverage your cloud native expertise to enhance mission outcomes through in...
Reposted 2 days ago
$120K - $155K *
Elevate your career by leading complex mechanical systems projects across diverse sectors. Oversee project execution, mentor engineers, and drive innovative solutions while collaborating with multidis...
1 week 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.