1

Research And Development Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

This position provides support to the Grid Operations and Planning Research area within Southern Company's Research & Development. * The engineer will support projects and in time lead efforts to ...

Develops original project proposals, research designs, plans and protocols and assists in the development of complex project proposals, plans and protocols. * Designs and/or conducts complex ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Research And Development information

See Alabama salary details

$44K

$92.3K

$149.6K

How much do research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development in Alabama is $92,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,200.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in research and development (R&D)?

A successful R&D professional typically possesses a strong background in scientific or technical disciplines, supported by relevant degrees such as a BS, MS, or PhD in fields like engineering, chemistry, or biology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and project management tools, along with certifications like Six Sigma or PMP, is often required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills that help drive innovation and teamwork. These competencies are vital for developing new products, improving processes, and maintaining a competitive edge in fast-evolving markets.

What is research and development (R&D)?

Research and Development (R&D) refers to the activities companies undertake to innovate and introduce new products or services. It involves researching market needs, creating new ideas, and developing prototypes or processes to bring those ideas to life. R&D is crucial for business growth, helping organizations stay competitive by improving existing products or inventing new ones. Professionals in this field often work in laboratories, engineering departments, or product design teams.

What are typical challenges faced by professionals in research and development (R&D)?

Professionals in R&D roles often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative thinking with practical constraints like budget, timelines, and regulatory requirements. They must also navigate uncertainties related to experimental results and manage cross-functional collaboration with teams such as marketing, production, and quality assurance. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and maintaining clear documentation throughout the development process are also crucial to success. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential to overcome these common hurdles and drive projects forward.

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

AspectResearch And DevelopmentProduct Development
FocusCreating new knowledge, innovations, and prototypesDesigning, building, and launching new or improved products
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research centers, R&D departmentsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, project teams
Required CredentialsScience or engineering degrees, research experienceEngineering, design, or product management background
Industry UsageTech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturingConsumer goods, electronics, automotive

Research And Development focuses on generating new knowledge and innovations, often in labs or research centers. Product Development takes those innovations and transforms them into market-ready products through design, testing, and manufacturing processes. While R&D is about discovery, product development is about application and commercialization.

What degree do you need to work in research and development?

Research and development roles typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or technology. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., along with strong analytical skills and experience with laboratory tools or research methodologies.

What is the job of research and development?

Research and Development (R&D) professionals focus on creating new products, improving existing ones, and developing innovative technologies. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with teams using tools like laboratory equipment and software to support product development and innovation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Research And Development jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Research And Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,265 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

CYBER PHYSICAL SECURITY ENGINEER

4P Consulting Inc.

Birmingham, AL

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Cyber-Physical Security Engineer

Location: Birmingham, AL, 35203 (Hybrid 3Days in a week)

Job Type: Contract

Job Description

Cyber-Physical Security Engineer – Supplemental Employee Description of Work Environment: This position supports the Schatz Grid Visualization and Analytics Center (SGVAC) within Company's Research & Development department.

The SGVAC is an innovation center that facilitates the research, pre-operational development and assessment and demonstration of situational awareness technologies for Transmission and Distribution.

Areas of focus include synchrophasor technology, next generation control center functionalities, cyber security testing, new visualization approaches, DERMS platform evaluation, data analytics as well as modeling and simulation including via a Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) with hardware-in-the-loop testing capability.

Summary of Position Duties:

This position provides support to the Grid Operations and Planning Research area within Company’s Research & Development. The engineer will support projects and in time lead efforts to deploy and evaluate the performance of emerging technologies in this arena. The position is focused on cyber-physical security research for Transmission and Distribution. The engineer will support cyber-physical security projects with power system and cyber modeling, simulation, and analyses to identify and characterize threats, and vulnerabilities and develop mitigation approaches.

Data from various sources and analytics tools will be leveraged to develop models to characterize normal power system and cyber data to facilitate the identification of anomalous events.

Working knowledge of intrusion detection, risk assessment frameworks, databases, data structures, computer networking is required as well as an aptitude to apply engineering analysis to solve problems.

Education/Qualification Requirements

  • Bachelors in computer science, computer engineering, cyber security, information systems, electrical engineering or related field required
  • Advanced degree in EE, computer science or other related fields strongly preferred
  • Experience in cybersecurity, including cyber security modeling and simulation
  • Experience with intrusion detection and risk assessment frameworks is required
  • Experience in power system modeling and simulation
  • Experience with data analytics including machine learning required
  • Experience with computer programming (Python, C#, SQL) desired Job Responsibilities
  • Develop research plan to evaluate new technology
  • Manage multiple tasks at one time
  • Provide documentation of study assumptions and methods used to arrive at results
  • Provide informative reports and presentations on projects
  • Some overnight travel may be required but this is not extensive.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Must demonstrate good communication skills, both internal and external to the company
  • Must have excellent organizational skills
  • Must possess analytical skills as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Must work well in a team environment
  • Must have the ability to manage your own work schedule and work with limited direction
  • Must have strong initiative – a self-starter
  • Must be great at problem solving Work Location/Arrangement
  • Candidate will work in a hybrid work arrangement reporting in-person/in-office at least 3 days per week (12 days a month)