My Colorado Journey
Back to pathway map
Cybersecurity

Research & Development Specialist

Conducts software and systems engineering and software systems research to develop new capabilities, ensuring cybersecurity is fully integrated. Conducts comprehensive technology research to evaluate potential vulnerabilities in cyberspace systems.

Annual openings

48

Median wage

$133,160

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+23%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

Interactive walkthrough

Explore My Colorado Journey Careers

See where to compare pay, job demand, locations, skills, education, and training for a Colorado career.

Open in a new tab

Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

A credential is recommended.

Credential detail

Certifications addressing network infrastructure, mobile device integration, hardware evaluation, operating systems, technical support, business continuity and disaster recovery, cloud computing security, cryptography, incident management, IT governance, risk management, securing communications, authentication, security testing, intrusion detection/prevention, incident response and recovery, attacks and countermeasures, cryptography, and malicious code countermeasures.

Experience detail

Previous hands-on experience in information assurance.

Remote work

Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Technology

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
  2. Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
  3. Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
  4. Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
  5. Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
  6. Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
Feedback