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Research And Development Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Development Engineer II

Berthoud, CO ยท 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 ...

Product Development Engineer 2

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$78K - $122K/yr

Product Development Engineer 2 possessing strong technical judgment and a sound understanding of ... Performs research and investigations. * Formulates and solves problems that require a moderate ...

Product Development Engineer 2

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$78K - $122K/yr

Product Development Engineer 2 possessing strong technical judgment and a sound understanding of ... Performs research and investigations. * Formulates and solves problems that require a moderate ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 3, 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 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.

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.

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 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.

Is research and development engineer a good career?

A research and development engineer is a valuable role focused on innovating and improving products or processes, often requiring strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of engineering tools. It can offer a challenging and rewarding career with opportunities for advancement in various industries such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Research And Development Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,546 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Development Engineer II

Ursa Major

Berthoud, CO โ€ข On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The future of aerospace and defense starts here.
Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.
As Ursa Major continues it's growth within the realm of solid propulsion, we're assembling an innovative and nimble team in order to bring needed improvements to the SRM industry. Applying the latest technologies to an outdated business model, we are able to improve cost, lead time, and flexibility without impacting reliability. Ursa Major prioritizes engineering excellence, building in-house capabilities in energetics, ballistics, and composites with an emphasis on novel designs focused on manufacturability and high-rate scalability.
Development engineers are primarily responsible for all aspects of the design, fabrication and test of development prototype hardware for Ursa Major's solid motor program as well as process development for new and novel approaches to manufacturing. Success on this team requires an understanding of solid rocket propulsion fundamentals, mechanical and fluid systems, strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, organization, and effective communication across discipline groups.
Responsibilities
  • Clean sheet design of novel solid rocket motor elements with limited guidance from subject matter experts, including relevant analysis.
  • Lead cross-functional communications to ensure designs satisfy the needs of each stakeholder.
  • Maintain proper documentation of all designs including design reviews, drawings, test plans, requirements verification, etc.
  • Evaluate novel manufacturing approaches and support experimentation to validate conceptual approaches.
  • Coordinate with procurement team to identify potential supply chain risks and mitigate appropriately.
  • Evaluate new materials for SRM design solutions, including material properties, manufacturability, and supply chain availability
  • Support the design, fabrication and assembly of prototype hardware and tooling.
  • Provide dispositions for discrepant hardware including supporting analysis if required.
  • Develop test plans including required instrumentation and coordinate with test team to execute.
  • Review test data to ensure the product is operating as expected and support design changes as needed.
  • Own failure investigations as needed.
  • Develop and maintain aggressive but achievable product schedules that proactively identify and mitigate high-risk design decisions.
  • Generate CAD models and drawings that are consistent with internal best practices and ASME Y14.5-2009 using Siemens NX software

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other applicable discipline
  • 2-4 years of professional rocket propulsion experience
  • Knowledge of solid rocket motor fundamentals
  • Programming competency in any language
  • This position requires that the employee be eligible and maintain eligibility for a Secret Clearance.

Desired Experience
  • 4-6 years of rocket propulsion experience (e.g., professional experience, university design team, personal project)
  • Experience handling and testing energetic materials
  • Experience with energetic material properties testing
  • Experience with ablative material composition, design, and testing
  • Programming competency in Python and/or MATLAB and FORTRAN
  • Experience with CAD modeling (NX preferred)
  • Experience with chemical kinetics solvers (CEA, CLWire, ProPEP)
  • Experience with FEA/CFD software packages (ANSYS preferred)
  • Hands-on hardware experience with fluid/mechanical systems, including design and safety review
  • DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $115,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Classification: Full-time Exempt
Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
  • Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
  • Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
  • Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
  • Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
  • EAP Program
  • Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
  • Equity Grants in the Company

How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
We're an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
No outside recruiters, please.