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.
Program Chief Engineer (Technical Lead)
$130K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative digital designs and architectures. Oversee a design team through all phases of hardware delivery, ensuring technical excellence and collaboration across discip...
1 week ago
$95K - $181K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing military systems through reliability engineering. You'll lead analyses, manage failure reporting, and ensure safety standards while collaborating with design...
Today
Research & Development Quality Operations Specialty Lead
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading quality operations to ensure patient safety and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and implement effective quality systems...
4 days ago
Research & Development Quality Operations Specialty Lead
$110K - $130K *
Support operational quality activities to ensure patient safety and reliable supply. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to simplify processes, drive continuous improvement, and lead quality initi...
1 week ago
Staff Industrial Engineer (Spacecraft Production Scaling)
$175K - $205K *
Transform spacecraft production by developing scalable strategies and optimizing operations. Collaborate across teams to enhance throughput and remove constraints, ensuring readiness for rapid growth...
4 days ago
$142K - $237K *
Lead multidisciplinary teams to design and execute complex aircraft entertainment and connectivity projects, ensuring alignment with technical, quality, and budgetary requirements while mentoring engi...
1 week ago
$130K - $180K *
Lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge satellite electronics, ensuring projects meet schedule, cost, and quality standards. Collaborate with teams and customers to drive innovation and accountab...
5 days ago
R&D Manager, Quantum Computer Science (1425)
$163K - $278K *
Shape the future of quantum computing as a leader in research, guiding a multidisciplinary team toward breakthrough advancements that support national security and innovation in technology. Drive coll...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Principal Process Engineer
$111K - $167K *
Elevate operational excellence by leading process control activities, enhancing automation systems, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize production efficiency and safety in a dyna...
Yesterday
$89K - $148K *
Contribute to the development of innovative medical devices by leading the design, testing, and integration of complex electronic hardware systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance...
Reposted 2 days ago
$89K - $148K *
Unlock innovative solutions in medical device development by leading the design, testing, and integration of complex electronic hardware systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance p...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Electrical Engineer (Onsite)
$86K - $165K *
Engineer innovative solutions for complex military electronic systems, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality production. Work independently and creatively to troubleshoot and optimiz...
Reposted 3 days ago
SR Mechanical Engineering Lead
$89K - $124K *
Lead the charge in innovative mechanical design for advanced thermal management solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development from concept to production, ensuring qua...
1 week ago
SR Mechanical Engineering Lead
$89K - $124K *
Innovate mechanical design solutions for advanced thermal management in data centers. Lead cross-functional teams through the product lifecycle, ensuring quality and compliance while driving sustainab...
1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Manage and lead complex projects supporting USSF activities, ensuring financial and technical objectives are met. Collaborate with teams, develop strategies, and foster client relationships while driv...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Drive project success by leading a team of experts in managing complex government programs. Ensure financial, technical, and schedule objectives are met while fostering strong client relationships and...
Reposted today
Principal Engineer - Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) & Reliability
$154K - $225K *
Transform engineering excellence by leading DFSS and reliability initiatives, enhancing product quality and manufacturability while coaching teams to drive continuous improvement and customer satisfac...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) & Reliability
$154K - $225K *
Transform your career by leading DFSS and reliability initiatives, enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive engineering excellence and coac...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer - Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) & Reliability
$154K - $225K *
Elevate engineering excellence by transforming customer needs into actionable requirements, leading complex reliability initiatives, and enhancing product quality through DFSS methodologies and hands...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Engineer innovative water treatment solutions by designing and developing efficient processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success while maintaining compliance with indus...
2 weeks ago
Staff Engineering Science Specialist
$107K - $130K *
Lead cross-functional teams to enhance weapons performance analysis and database management, ensuring effective integration of technology into WMD/HDBT programs while supporting decision-making throug...
5 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate network engineering capabilities by providing comprehensive support across the lifecycle of tactical network systems, ensuring secure information exchange and compliance within multidisciplina...
1 week ago
$120K - $130K *
Lead the charge in maintaining and enhancing complex military radar systems, ensuring operational readiness and support for critical US and Allied missions. Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower the Systems Engineering team in driving excellence across launch vehicle systems, engaging in multi-disciplinary collaboration and application of core engineering principles, fostering innovat...
Reposted 6 days ago
Sr. Design Engineer - New Product Development Engineering
$90K - $110K *
Engineer innovative designs for outdoor power equipment from concept to production, ensuring manufacturability, compliance, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver production-r...
4 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.