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Research And Development Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

MSW Intern

Denver, CO · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Interns will take an active role in program facilitation, evaluation and research, development, and organizing and implementing an alumni group.

MSW Intern

Denver, CO · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Interns will take an active role in program facilitation, evaluation and research, development, and organizing and implementing an alumni group.

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 ...

R&D Intern (Catholyte)

Thornton, CO · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Solid Power is seeking a R&D Intern to join our talented team of engineers and scientists working to revolutionize the battery industry through the development of next generation, all solid-state ...

... Research & Development (IRAD) budgets to ensure investments remain aligned to strategic growth. • Additional responsibilities: attending industry events, conferences, summits, & symposiums ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research And Development information

See Colorado salary details

$51K

$107K

$173.5K

How much do research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development in Colorado is $107,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Research and Development (R&D) role, and why are they important?

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 do you do in 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 to bring ideas from concept to implementation, often using tools like laboratory equipment, software, and project management methods.

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) roles?

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Research and Development roles typically require specialized education or experience, and few pay $4,000 weekly without a degree. However, high-paying sales positions, certain skilled trades, or entrepreneurial ventures in tech or consulting can reach that income level through commissions, bonuses, or business profits. Success in these areas often depends on skills, network, and performance rather than formal education alone.

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In research and development, high-paying roles such as senior research directors, chief technology officers, or specialized scientists in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, or aerospace can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities within innovative or high-growth companies.

What are research and development jobs?

Research and development (R&D) jobs involve creating, improving, and testing new products, services, or technologies. These roles often require skills in scientific methods, problem-solving, and familiarity with tools like laboratory equipment or software for innovation and analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Colorado are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Research And Development jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Research And Development job openings:
Quantum Opto-electronics Research Manager

Quantum Opto-electronics Research Manager

Lockheed Martin

Louisville, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 389 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description


Lockheed Martin Space Advanced Technology Center (ATC) is seeking a Quantum Opto-electronics Research Manager to lead personnel in the full life cycle of research & development of advanced quantum optical systems for the study of classical and quantum-mechanical phenomena in remote sensing and communications. Positions are available for experienced professionals with 10 or more years of experience performing and managing teams in the design, development, experimentation and reporting of research to measure fundamental classical and quantum-mechanical light-matter interactions. The successful candidate would have experimental research experience in atomic, molecular, nuclear, solid-state, thermal and other physical phenomena. The candidate would also have experience developing theories based on observed results of experiments and predicting phenomena based on theoretical considerations in areas such as acoustics, electricity and magnetism, electronics, heat, light, mechanical, radiation, optics and lasers. We seek a strong leader for a multi-disciplinary design/development group for cutting edge, advanced quantum opto-electronic systems. This technical and people leadership role in optical sensing and quantum opto-electronic technologies offers the opportunity to join a rapidly expanding and exceptionally talented group of scientists and engineers. You should have experience in the full lifecycle: architecture development, design and modeling, fabrication, AI&T, characterization, optimization and deployment of complex active optical systems and their components. Knowledge of related passive & active optical remote sensing technologies and their deployment and operation in space environments is desired.
In this role you would:
Engage in the planning, conduct and leadership of research and development efforts via analysis, in the laboratory and in field-test environments.
Help lead our team that designs and develops quantum opto-electronics systems for civilian and military aerospace applications.
You should have direct experience in the design and modeling of complex physical and/or chemical systems, precise wavelength and phase stabilization of lasers, optical parametric oscillators, amplifiers and frequency conversion devices, familiarity with the state-of-the-art in linear and non-linear optical materials and optical systems. Additional knowledge of related laser-based remote-sensing technologies is desired, including coherent and direct-detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, and beam propagation. Demonstrated experience in proposing and winning independent research funding is desired. You should be able to successfully work together in small and large research teams to achieve complex research objectives.
You will be expected to have proficiency with MS PowerPoint and Excel, and excellent written/oral presentations skills.
Some of your responsibilities in this role will include the following:
• Lead active optical sensor systems architecture development to address challenging missions for active electro-optical systems.
• Be the technology and people leader for a high functioning multi-disciplinary, rapid development R&D team in active optical systems and advanced optical sensing
• Grow and expand team capabilities to meet the demands of system, subsystem and component development for advanced EO system needs
• Pursue and execute component, sub-system and systems development (internally and externally-funded) efforts for advanced quantum opto-electronics programs
• Perform cost accounting management leadership of systems and subsystems programs; knowledge of and experience with the use of earned-value management in medium-sized programs is desired.
• Specification and selection of passive, active and nonlinear optical technologies
• Evaluation of predicted performance through computational modeling and analysis
• Laboratory testing and experimental demonstration
• Prototype development
Basic Qualifications
1. Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, optical science or related degree program with knowledge of remote-sensing, optics, lasers and/or nonlinear optics
2. Minimum of 10 years of experience in a multi-disciplinary Technology Lead role.
3. Minimum of 3 years of experience in program management & cost accounting management relative to the development, prototyping and testing of advanced passive and/or active optical systems at multiple technology readiness levels (TRL).
4. Experience in new business capture and/or program execution for advanced passive or active optical systems, which may include some of following: proposal writing; customer/stakeholder briefings; program & technical baseline formation; program performance management; and/or oversight of complex EO system development through milestone gate reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.)
5. US citizenship and the willingness/ability to obtain a US Government Top Secret Security clearance
Desired skills
1. PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or related fields is strongly desired
2. Technical and/or programmatic management/oversight over the rapid development of quantum opto-electronic system/subsystems/components from laboratory proof of concept through to TRL 8 for terrestrial, airborne, and/or space applications
3. Existing security clearance (TS/SCI access desired)
4. Expertise in performance, opto-mechanical and thermal modeling and analysis of active optical subsystems such as lasers, optical parametric oscillators and optical parametric amplifiers, nonlinear optical frequency conversion
5. Knowledge of related laser-based remote sensing technologies (i.e. coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation, and/or atmospheric sciences, optical detection, signal/image processing)
6. Experience leading studies, strategy development and execution and results briefing to company senior management
7. Internal Research and Development roadmapping, planning, and coordination across business groups to develop key technical discriminators
8. Familiarity with laboratory development and modeling software tools (i.e. Matlab/Simulink, Labview, Mathcad)
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $139,600 - $246,100. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $160,500 - $278,300. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912