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Senior R&D Software Developer Jobs in Louisville, KY

Senior Engineer, Offensive Security

Louisville, KY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

A program that's already serious about AI. Fridays are dedicated to R&D. You'll have Hack The Box ... software with engineering rigor (reproducibility, evaluation, safety guardrails, human-in-the-loop ...

Senior Engineer, Offensive Security

Louisville, KY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

A program that's already serious about AI. Fridays are dedicated to R&D. You'll have Hack The Box ... software with engineering rigor (reproducibility, evaluation, safety guardrails, human-in-the-loop ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Louisville, KY · Remote

$150K - $175K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a Sr. Software Engineer and or Jr. Platform Architect to serve as technical lead responsible for day-to-day development, design, build, and ...

Metrology Engineer

New Albany, IN · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

The engineer operates within an R&D-driven environment, evaluating and implementing measurement ... analysis software, while contributing to continuous improvement in product validation and ...

Junior Developer

Louisville, KY · On-site +1

$85K - $120K/yr

ROLE PROFILE We are seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Junior Software Developer to assist in building, testing, and maintaining software applications. Working directly with senior engineers ...

New

Senior Software Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer begins to influence departmental strategy by contributing to architecture discussions, development best practices, and long-term technology planning. Main ...

Senior Software Engineer

Louisville, KY · Remote

$117K - $155K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer begins to influence departmental strategy by contributing to architecture discussions, development best practices, and long-term technology planning. Main ...

Senior Software Engineer

Louisville, KY · Remote

$117K - $155K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer begins to influence departmental strategy by contributing to architecture discussions, development best practices, and long-term technology planning. Main ...

Senior Software Engineer

Louisville, KY · Remote

$117K - $155K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer begins to influence departmental strategy by contributing to architecture discussions, development best practices, and long-term technology planning. Main ...

Senior Developer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$52.25 - $69.25/hr

The developer approaches software holistically, catering to both user experience and functionality ... The Senior level performs assigned tasks under minimal guidance from Team Leader. Responsibilities ...

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

The Sr. Software Engineer II will design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications ... CD (Azure DevOps Pipelines), and test-driven development (TDD). • Experience with ...

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer II to design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain ... CD (Azure DevOps Pipelines), and test-driven development (TDD). • Experience with ...

Senior Microsoft Developer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$52.25 - $69.25/hr

We are currently seeking a Senior Microsoft Developer . Candidates must be located within 90 minutes of Louisville, KY. Candidates must be able to interview in person in Louisville, KY. Excellent ...

Senior AI Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Work with Senior Software Engineers and Principal Architects to design, build, andoperatecore AI ... I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels ...

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Senior R D Software Developer information

See Louisville, KY salary details

$14

$59

$84

How much do senior r&d software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior r&d software developer in Louisville, KY is $59.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.34 and $66.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior R&D Software Developers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like AI or cybersecurity, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of innovation and leadership.

Is L5 at Google Senior?

At Google, L5 is typically considered a mid-level software engineering role, often referred to as a Software Engineer II. It is generally not classified as a senior position, which usually starts at L6 or higher, depending on the team and responsibilities. L5 engineers are expected to have solid technical skills and contribute to projects under guidance, with senior roles involving more leadership and mentorship responsibilities.

What is the difference between Senior R&D Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSenior R&D Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field; experience in R&DBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, innovation teamsDevelopment teams, product-focused environments
Industry UsageTech, manufacturing, research institutionsTech companies, startups, software firms
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for R&D roles and advanced developmentMore general software development roles

The main difference is that a Senior R&D Software Developer focuses on innovative research, prototyping, and developing new technologies within R&D environments, often requiring specialized knowledge and experience. In contrast, a Software Engineer typically works on building, testing, and maintaining software products in production environments. Both roles require strong programming skills, but the Senior R&D role emphasizes research and experimentation.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior R&D Software Developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like AI or cybersecurity, and leadership responsibilities can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in high-growth tech companies or startups. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, a strong track record, and working in competitive, high-demand environments.

Is R&D stressful as a career?

A Senior R&D Software Developer role can be stressful due to tight deadlines, complex problem-solving, and the need for innovation. The environment often requires adaptability, technical expertise, and continuous learning to meet project goals and stay competitive.
Infographic showing various Senior R&D Software Developer job openings in Louisville, KY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,370 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Senior R&D Embedded Design Engineer

Senior R&D Embedded Design Engineer

Car Keys Express

Louisville, KY

$113K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Car Keys Express rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Senior R amp;D Embedded Design Engineer
Purpose
Demonstrates the ability to independently lead and execute multiple product development projects with minimal to no supervision, including complex systems that integrate mixed-signal embedded systems. Responsibilities include system architecture, design, validation, and technical leadership throughout the product lifecycle. The role also involves conducting encryption and security research, and applying advanced engineering principles to solve challenging technical problems and drive innovation. .
Summary
A significant portion of the employee’s role will involve researching emerging technologies and applying those insights to the development of new products and systems. With a strong background in engineering and product development, they are adept at solving diverse technical challenges quickly and effectively. As a Senior Embedded Design Engineer, they are expected to lead and mentor junior engineers, oversee co-op projects, plan and drive strategic initiatives, collaborate with production teams, and assume management responsibilities when needed. Their experience spans the full product life cycle, product reliability, consumer electronics, and a wide range of embedded systems.

Duties Critical to Success
  • Lead the development of new R amp;D products, technologies, and strategic initiatives.
  • Develop and apply reverse-engineering tools and methodologies for integrated circuits, hardware systems, and embedded software.
  • Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to engineers and support teams.
  • Lead technical problem-solving, project planning, and cross-functional collaboration efforts.
  • Manage and mentor co-op engineers while driving the development of production support tools and process improvements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Critical to Success
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the design, analysis, and implementation of RF-based devices and/or common automotive data bus networks system.
  • Strong background in embedded systems architecture, firmware design, and software development.
  • Experience developing and implementing reverse-engineering methodologies, processes, and procedures.
  • Experience with serial communication protocols, including I²C, SPI, UART, CAN, LIN, and related interfaces.
  • Expertise in schematic capture, PCB design, and layout for both internal engineering tools and commercial production products.
  • Ability to design, develop, and validate test and programming fixtures, including associated hardware and software interfaces.
  • Proven ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously from concept through production, while providing technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineering team members.
  • Experience in collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and production teams to support successful product development and deployment.
Preferred but not required
  • Knowledge of cryptography, including stream and block ciphers and hashing algorithms
  • Experience applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to embedded systems, algorithm development, test automation, and system optimization
  • Working knowledge of digital logic design, with experience in HDL development and modeling using VHDL and/or Verilog preferred.
Deliverables
  • Design and develop Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) systems for a broad range of vehicle platforms.
  • Develop hardware and software tools for various signal processing, protocol analysis, and behavioral characterization of analog and digital systems.
  • Design, implement, and maintain production test and programming fixtures to support manufacturing, product validation, and internal production requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership and engineering support throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development and prototyping through production release and ongoing product support.
  • Generate technical documentation, design specifications, test procedures, and validation reports to support development and production activities.
  • Collaborate with intellectual property counsel to prepare invention disclosures, support patent filings, and contribute to the protection of company innovations.
Relations to supervisory and subordinating roles within the company
Immediate Supervisor: R amp;D Manager or NPI Manager
Direct Reports: None
Job specifications, standards, and requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 7 years of industry experience with a proven track record of successfully designing and delivering embedded systems and product development projects.
  • Solid understanding of embedded hardware and firmware development, including debugging, validation, and system integration.
  • Proficiency in software development using C, C++, and Python.
  • Experience guiding products through regulatory and industry certification processes, including FCC compliance testing and Bluetooth SIG (BLE) qualification and certification.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Essential Job Functions (ADA-Compliant)
The following essential job functions are fundamental to the successful performance of the Senior R amp;D Embedded Design Engineer role and cannot be eliminated or significantly modified without changing the nature of the position:
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, or remain in a stationary position for extended periods as required by job tasks
  • Adequate hearing and vision (corrected or uncorrected) to perform job duties, including reading printed materials, viewing screens, communicating via telephone or computer, and understanding verbal communication in various settings
  • Adequate vision, including close-up work, to inspect small components and read detailed instructions
  • Sufficient auditory capacity to follow verbal instructions and hear alerts from production equipment
  • Vision abilities required include close, distance, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
  • Capacity for peripheral vision and depth perception to safely navigate workspaces
  • Manual dexterity and coordination sufficient for typing, data entry, and computer use
  • Manual dexterity to handle small parts, hand tools, and assembly fixtures in a safe and efficient manner
  • Manual dexterity to work with delicate electronic components, small tools, and precision devices requiring fine motor skills
  • Ability to use and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the work environment
  • Ability to operate lab equipment as needed for purposes such as prototype testing and quality assurance
  • Ability to speak clearly and be understood to convey instructions and exchange information
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups in person, via virtual meetings, and over the phone
Work Environment
  • Ability to travel to various locations, including client sites, field locations, or training venues
  • Capacity to work in diverse environments, which may include office settings, manufacturing or production areas, outdoor locations, or client facilities, sometimes with varying temperatures, noise levels, or exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals


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