Research and Development Engineering Manager

Round-Peg Solutions (RPS); Mission Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defense sector is seeking an R&D Manager to lead a high-performing team focused on cutting-edge projects. This full-time, on-site role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for career progression into a VP of Engineering position. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in systems engineering and leadership, with a passion for innovation in military avionics.

Benefits

Career progression into VP of Engineering

Flexibility to work from home one day per week

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering or R&D, including 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Familiarity with standards such as DO-254, DO-178C, MIL-STD-810.

Responsibilities

• Defining and executing strategic R&D plans aligned with company objectives.
• Leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary team.
• Driving innovation through research initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Innovation

Systems Engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

DOORS

LabVIEW

Job description

Research and Development Engineering Manager

Round-Peg Solutions (RPS) provided pay range

This range is provided by Round-Peg Solutions (RPS). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$185,000.00/yr - $220,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Round-Peg Solutions (RPS)

Recruitment Consultant at Round-Peg Solutions (RPS)

Are you an R&D Manager with a passion for cutting-edge Defense projects?

We’re seeking an R&D Manager to lead a high-performing team driving innovation across systems test, requirements management, and system administration functions. In this role, you'll guide strategic R&D initiatives, foster technical excellence, and shape the future of defense technology. This is a leadership position with clear potential to grow into a VP of Engineering role—either within this business or one of our sister companies.

What’s on offer:

• $185-220k – DOE – Bonus - Project performance
• Career progression into VP of Engineering – in this business and any of local sister organizations.

As the R&D Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Defining and executing strategic R&D plans aligned with broader company objectives.
• Leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, including Systems Test Engineers, Systems Requirements Engineers, and a System Administrator.
• Developing and optimizing systems engineering processes to meet and exceed industry standards such as DO-254, DO-178C, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461.
• Driving innovation through research initiatives, managing technical roadmaps, IP strategy, quality, and proposal development.
• Supporting customer engagement efforts, particularly in military avionics, to ensure delivery of innovative and compliant solutions.

The ideal R&D Manager will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent).
• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering or R&D, including 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Familiarity with standards such as DO-254, DO-178C, MIL-STD-810, and ARP4754A.
• Proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools like Cameo and requirements management tools such as DOORS. Experience with LabVIEW is a plus.

This is a full-time, on-site position with a 9/80 work schedule and the flexibility to work from home one day per week.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your R&D leadership journey, apply today and we’ll be in touch with qualified candidates within 24–48 hours.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Engineering, and Project Management

Industries

• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Research Services