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Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Colorado

USA Rare Earth, LLC

R&D Engineer

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

The R&D Engineer supports the development and scale-up of rare earth processing technologies, focusing on extraction, separation, and purification from primary and recycled feedstocks. This role is ...

Lunar Outpost

Business Development Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

Perform market and customer research to inform business strategy * Track open solicitations, their ... Perform end-to-end engineering work for small research and development programs as they relate to ...

Lunar Outpost

Business Development Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

Perform market and customer research to inform business strategy * Track open solicitations, their ... Perform end-to-end engineering work for small research and development programs as they relate to ...

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Canopy Technologies is seeking an exceptional R&D Engineer to lead the development, integration, and flight validation of next-generation materials and payload systems for extreme environments. This ...

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Canopy Technologies is seeking an exceptional R&D Engineer to lead the development, integration, and flight validation of next-generation materials and payload systems for extreme environments. This ...

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Canopy Technologies is seeking an exceptional R&D Engineer to lead the development, integration, and flight validation of next-generation materials and payload systems for extreme environments. This ...

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer Intern

Littleton, CO · On-site

$25/hr

Position Summary Canopy Technologies is seeking exceptional engineering students to join our team as R&D Engineering Intern for Fall 2026. As an intern, you will work closely with experienced ...

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer Intern

Littleton, CO

$25/hr

Position Summary Canopy Technologies is seeking exceptional engineering students to join our team as R&D Engineering Intern for Fall 2026. As an intern, you will work closely with experienced ...

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Business Development Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Perform market and customer research to inform business strategy * Track open solicitations, their ... Perform end-to-end engineering work for small research and development programs as they relate to ...

Ursa Major

Development Engineer II

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Development engineers are primarily responsible for all aspects of the design, fabrication and test ... NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if ...

Vizient, Inc.

Principal, R&D Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$156K - $290K/yr

Help define how this R&D unit operates as it grows What We're Looking For * Strong software engineering fundamentals and a bias toward shipping * Comfort working on ambiguous problems with real users ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Engineer JobsResearch And Development Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Research And Development Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$21K

$101.5K

$158.8K

How much do research and development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development engineer in Colorado is $101,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research And Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusInnovating and exploring new technologies or conceptsDesigning, developing, and improving specific products
Work EnvironmentLabs, research facilities, early-stage projectsManufacturing, testing, and product launch phases
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, research experience, possibly advanced degreesEngineering degree, practical product design experience

Research And Development Engineers focus on creating new technologies and exploring innovative ideas, often working in labs and research settings. Product Development Engineers concentrate on transforming concepts into market-ready products, working closely with manufacturing and testing teams. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their core objectives and work environments differ significantly.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior roles requiring advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities are more likely to reach this compensation level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and often an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and project management systems is typically required, along with knowledge of industry-specific standards. Creativity, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovation and teamwork. These skills enable R&D Engineers to design cutting-edge solutions, efficiently manage projects, and drive technological advancements in their industry.

What do you do as an R&D engineer?

An R&D engineer develops and tests new products, processes, or technologies to improve existing offerings or create innovative solutions. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams using tools like CAD software and laboratory equipment, often working in a research or development environment. Their work involves problem-solving, designing prototypes, and ensuring that new ideas meet technical and safety standards.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior research and development engineers, especially those with specialized skills in areas like software, electrical, or mechanical engineering, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with extensive experience, advanced degrees, leadership roles, or working in high-demand industries such as aerospace, technology, or pharmaceuticals.

What Is a Research and Development Engineer?

A research and development engineer is responsible for conducting experiments and analyzing processes to determine better approaches to solving problems or product building. You can have this career in industries such as petroleum, aerospace, and mechanics. Your job duties include analyzing processes to find areas of improvement, conducting experiments to determine better approaches, and documenting findings so they can be shared with others. You may be required to use sophisticated tools such as computer-aided design software to create simulations and advanced microscopes for observing chemical reactions.

How does a Research and Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development cycle?

Research and Development Engineers often work closely with teams such as product management, quality assurance, and manufacturing throughout the product development process. They contribute technical expertise during brainstorming sessions, share progress updates in regular meetings, and incorporate feedback from other departments to refine prototypes. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as R&D Engineers must ensure that their designs align with project requirements, regulatory standards, and production capabilities. This collaborative environment helps facilitate innovation while maintaining project timelines and product quality.

What are Research and Development Engineers?

Research and Development (R&D) Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new products, processes, or technologies. They work to innovate and improve existing products, often collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and product managers. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that new developments meet industry standards and customer needs. R&D Engineers play a crucial role in keeping companies competitive by driving innovation and technological advancement.
More about Research And Development Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Research And Development Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Engineer jobs in CO? For Research And Development Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research And Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,546 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
R&D Engineer

R&D Engineer

USA Rare Earth, LLC

Wheat Ridge, CO • On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Who we are:
We are on a mission to become a leading supplier of critical materials that enable the green energy and technology revolution. Our materials and technologies are required for the electric vehicle, green energy, consumer electronics, and defense industries, and our battery grade lithium and tech metals are needed for chipsets, semiconductors, and 5G.
We have a substantial interest in the Round Top, Heavy Rare Earth, Lithium and Critical Minerals deposit in West Texas. We have also developed the United States' first rare earth and critical minerals processing facility and we own the only scalable, sintered neo-magnet manufacturing system in the Western Hemisphere. By developing this fully integrated, US-based "mine-to-magnet" critical mineral supply chain, we are poised to become the leading domestic supplier to these industries.
What you can expect:
At USA Rare Earth, we are pioneers and problem solvers, technologists and team players. Together, we:
Build Solutions: If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and technologies is needed for success, and we work across sectors and alongside customers to deliver world-class solutions in sustainable ways.
Deliver Quality: When we do things, we do them well. We believe that top-tier quality leads to industry competitiveness and we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. We move fast when executing, but safety, quality, and excellence always come first.
Lead responsibly: We have a responsibility to the planet, our consumers, our country, and each other. We put safety at the center of all we do, take accountability for our actions, incorporate sustainable practices in our processes and act with the financial best interest of our investors and consumers in mind.
Win Together: Establishing a rare earth magnet supply chain is a big undertaking - and getting there is a team effort. We communicate openly, work together and challenge each other in pursuit of our goals. With every step we take we learn and get better.
Position Overview:
The R&D Engineer supports the development and scale-up of rare earth processing technologies, focusing on extraction, separation, and purification from primary and recycled feedstocks. This role is highly hands-on, bridging lab research and pilot plant operations to advance processes toward commercial readiness.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and execute experiments for rare earth leaching, solvent extraction, and purification.
  • Translate bench-scale work into pilot-scale operations, supporting scale-up and process optimization.
  • Operate and support pilot plant systems, including test planning, data collection, and troubleshooting.
  • Perform mass balances and analyze process data to improve recoveries, efficiency, and product quality.
  • Develop technical documentation (SOPs, PFDs, test reports) to support pilot operations and scale-up.
  • Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to advance process design and commercialization.
  • Support safety programs, including PHAs and compliance with environmental and operational standards.
  • Coordinate with external partners (EPCMs, vendors, labs) as needed.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Metallurgical, or Materials Engineering (advanced degree a plus).
  • 3-7 years of experience in hydrometallurgy, chemical processing, or process R&D.
  • Experience with pilot plant operations and process scale-up.
  • Familiarity with rare earth separation techniques (e.g., solvent extraction, precipitation) preferred.
  • Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and process troubleshooting skills.
  • Working knowledge of PFDs/P&IDs and process control systems (SCADA/DCS) is a plus.

Skills & Attributes
  • Hands-on, execution-focused mindset suited for a pilot-stage environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced setting.
  • Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel, and talk and hear. May be required to lift and move boxes or packages not exceeding 20 pounds in weight. Some work stress inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required.
Work Environment:
The work environment will be an office environment. Noise level: Normal office noises
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of personnel so classified. Reporting relationships may not reflect the most recent changes to the organization.
USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities
USA Rare Earth's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.
For assistance applying for employment through this site due to disability, please contact People & Culture, people@usare.com, to discuss reasonable accommodations.
The pay range for this role is:
105,000 - 120,000 USD per year (Wheat Ridge, CO)

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