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Manager R&D Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mitch Miles

MANAGER R&D-HIGH PROTEINS

Irvine, CA · On-site

Execute and manage all aspects of R&D throughout the entire lifecycle, spanning from conceptualization to post-launch. Responsibilities encompass formulating, designing, and conducting experiments ...

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How much do manager r&d jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager r&d in the United States is $61,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Manager R&D?

A Manager R&D, or Research and Development Manager, is responsible for overseeing the research and development activities within an organization. They lead teams of scientists, engineers, or researchers to innovate and develop new products, processes, or technologies. Their role often includes project management, resource allocation, budgeting, and ensuring that R&D goals align with the company’s strategic objectives. Additionally, they may collaborate with other departments, manage intellectual property, and stay updated on industry trends to drive competitive advantage.

What are some common challenges faced by a Manager R&D when leading cross-functional innovation projects?

As a Manager R&D, one of the most common challenges is aligning diverse teams—such as engineering, marketing, and production—toward a shared innovation goal. Balancing creative experimentation with practical constraints like timelines and budgets requires strong project management and communication skills. Additionally, navigating differing priorities and ensuring effective knowledge transfer across departments are key aspects of the role. Proactively facilitating collaboration and maintaining transparency can help overcome these hurdles and drive successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager R&D, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager R&D, you need a solid background in scientific or engineering disciplines, project management expertise, and typically an advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD. Familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis tools, and product development software, along with certifications like PMP, are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, creativity, and communication skills are vital for guiding teams and driving innovation. These competencies ensure successful project execution, effective team collaboration, and the development of cutting-edge solutions in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Manager R&D vs R&D Engineer?

AspectManager R&DR&D Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, oversees projects, strategic planningDesigns, develops, tests products or processes
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, manufacturing, pharmaceuticalsFound across similar industries, often in product development

The main difference is that a Manager R&D oversees research teams and strategic projects, while an R&D Engineer focuses on technical development and product design. Managers handle leadership and planning, whereas Engineers execute technical tasks within projects.

How much do manager R&D managers make in the US?

In the United States, R&D managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000 to $150,000, depending on industry, experience, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and oversee research teams, budgets, and project development in technology, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing sectors.

Is a manager R&D a good job?

A manager R&D oversees research and development teams, focusing on innovation, product development, and process improvements. It typically requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills, and offers opportunities for career advancement and competitive compensation.

Is research and development stressful as a career?

Research and development (R&D) careers can be stressful due to tight deadlines, high expectations for innovation, and the need for problem-solving under pressure. R&D managers often balance project management, technical challenges, and team coordination, which can contribute to work-related stress, especially during critical phases of product development or innovation cycles.
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Manager R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager R&D job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,351 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - SR. PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - Spacecraft Development

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Southwest Research Institute
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Southwest Research Instituteexternal

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Re-posted 7 days ago

Southwest Research Institute rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - SR. PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - Spacecraft Development

05-00300

Who We Are:

The Spacecraft Development Department is a group of innovative engineers, program managers, and technicians developing unique spacecraft solutions for challenging space missions. We design and fabricate custom solutions to explore the boundaries of science or solve complex problems not yet delivered by industry to accommodate a variety of payloads.

Objectives of this Role:
  • Lead execution of mid- to large-scale spacecraft programs from concept through integration-ready, flight-worthy systems, delivering predictable cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Provide technical and program leadership for cutting-edge spacecraft and mission development, ensuring technical rigor, readiness, and seamless system and payload integration.
  • Drive business development and strategic planning for spacecraft in commercial, civil government, DoD, and international markets, shaping mission concepts and converting opportunities into funded programs.
  • Manage program resources, capital equipment, budgets, and governance processes (scope, IMS, risk, EV, policies) to support growth, execution excellence, and strong long-term customer relationships.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Direct cross-functional teams to design, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver spacecraft systems.
  • Resolve technical and schedule issues to keep programs on baseline and launch/integration-ready.
  • Conduct formal program control and reporting (IMS health, cost/EVM/burn, forecasts), preparing executive- and customer-ready status briefings, variance analyses, and recovery plans.
  • Lead customer engagement and business development cadence—requirements refinement, opportunity shaping, proposals and cost estimates, capture plans, and technical presentations—to win and grow spacecraft programs.
  • Oversee team performance and development, including tasking, accountability, resourcing, and mentoring staff in spacecraft engineering processes, tools, and best practices.
Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering or related technical or space-related engineering field with relevant experience.
  • PMP or similar certification preferred but not required with demonstrated project management experience.
  • 10+ years: Demonstrated capability to successfully promote and lead technical space programs and projects of significant scope and complexity, typically involving multiple sections or divisions, several clients, and multidisciplinary teams, while meeting/exceeding cost and schedule goals.
  • 10+ years: Proven success in building and sustaining technical or research program areas, including developing new strategic areas of interest with clear potential for future growth and multi-year funding, and a strong record of establishing, maintaining, and expanding client relationships.
  • 10+ years: Outstanding organizational, management, technical, and interpersonal skills, with excellent verbal and written communication; a track record of effectively leading others, administering to their technical and professional development needs.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.
Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas Or Austin, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Space Systems home page.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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