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Manager R&D Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL

$86K - $173K/yr

As the Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development and technical projects from planning through implementation. You'll drive execution, manage project risks, and help teams ...

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL

$86K - $173K/yr

As the Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development and technical projects from planning through implementation. You'll drive execution, manage project risks, and help teams ...

Abbott & Company

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL

$86K - $173K/yr

As the Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development and technical projects from planning through implementation. You'll drive execution, manage project risks, and help teams ...

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

As the Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development and technical projects from planning through implementation. You'll drive execution, manage project risks, and help teams ...

Owens Corning

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL

$78K - $100K/yr

Manage process development and capital projects from concept through implementation. Own end to end execution of process development and scale up projects, from concept through pilot validation and ...

Owens Corning

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Manage process development and capital projects from concept through implementation. Own end to end execution of process development and scale up projects, from concept through pilot validation and ...

GXO Logistics

PIT Operator

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

... or managing tools or equipment. Are you willing to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations? Answer:Yes, No (R), (D) Are you willing to work in a warehouse ...

Acxion Foodservice

Culinary R&D Manager

Chicago, IL

... Manager to join our culinary innovation team. This role sits at the intersection of culinary ... R&D, sales, or corporate settings.Proven leadership and mentoring skills.Strong relationship ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsR&D JobsManager R&D JobsManager R&D Jobs in Chicago, IL

Manager R D information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.7K

$63.2K

$105.6K

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

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager r&d in Chicago, IL is $63,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 technical challenges with team management, which can contribute to workload stress, especially during project milestones or product launches.

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.

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.

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 research and development managers make in the US?

Research and development managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $90,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. They often require strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a background in science or engineering.

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 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 popular job titles related to Manager R&D jobs in Chicago, IL? For Manager R&D jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manager R&D jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Manager R&D jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Manager R D jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager R&D job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,200 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

R&D- Project Manager

Abbott

Lake Forest, IL

$86K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:
Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to:
  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
The Opportunity
We have an opportunity for the Project Manager role within our Core Diagnostics division, based in Lake Forest, IL, and this is an on-site role.

Core Diagnostics delivers diagnostic solutions that provide critical information to help healthcare professionals make better decisions and improve patient care.
As the Project Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development and technical projects from planning through implementation. You'll drive execution, manage project risks, and help teams deliver high-quality outcomes aligned to business objectives.
What You'll Work On
  • Lead projects through the full lifecycle, from concept and planning through implementation and closeout.
  • Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, milestones, resource needs, and status reporting to support successful delivery.
  • Track progress, manage dependencies, and identify risks and issues early, implementing mitigation plans when needed.
  • Facilitate project team meetings, governance reviews, and stakeholder communications to maintain alignment and visibility.
  • Partner with cross-functional and global teams to achieve project objectives and deliverables.
  • Use tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Project, or similar systems to support planning, execution, and reporting.
  • Coordinate vendor activities, review deliverables, and ensure work is completed according to project requirements.
  • Review project outputs for quality, accuracy, and adherence to established standards and processes.
  • Support compliance with Abbott quality systems, development lifecycle requirements, and project governance practices.
  • Maintain a safe and professional work environment.
  • Travel as required to support project needs.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs.
  • Experience developing and managing project plans, schedules, resources, and project reporting.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating activities across multiple stakeholders.
  • Experience managing project risks, issues, dependencies, and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management credential.
  • Experience managing software development projects in a regulated industry such as healthcare, telecommunications, or defense.
  • Experience with Atlassian tools including JIRA and Confluence, and project planning tools such as Microsoft Project.
  • Experience working with external vendors and third-party partners.
  • Demonstrated success delivering projects on time and within scope.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: https://abbottbenefits.com/
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at abbott.com, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AbbottCareers.

The base pay for this position is

$86,700.00 - $173,300.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:Project ManagementDIVISION:CRLB Core LabLOCATION:United States > Lake Forest : CP01ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 10 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:NoSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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