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New Product Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$130K/yr

Position OverviewPosition Description We are hiring a Sr Scientist II. The Sr. Scientist II will be responsible for all activities relating to new product development, technical product support and ...

Role Overview R&D is the engine behind Plasmidsaurus's long-term growth. As a New Product Scientist, you will help define what DNA sequencing looks like next. Your work will create entirely new ...

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New Product Development information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$125.3K

$142.6K

How much do new product development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for new product development in California is $125,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is new product development?

New Product Development (NPD) is the process of bringing a new product to market, from the initial idea generation through research, design, development, and launch. This process often involves identifying market needs, conceptualizing product features, designing prototypes, testing, and planning for production and marketing. NPD helps companies stay competitive by continually offering innovative products that meet changing consumer demands. Effective new product development can lead to increased sales, market share, and brand reputation.

How does a new product development professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

In a New Product Development (NPD) role, collaboration with cross-functional teams such as marketing, engineering, manufacturing, and sales is essential throughout the product lifecycle. NPD professionals often lead or participate in regular meetings to ensure all departments are aligned on project goals, timelines, and deliverables. They act as the bridge between creative concepts and practical implementation, gathering input from various stakeholders to refine the product and address challenges proactively. Effective communication and project management skills are crucial to facilitate smooth collaboration and resolve any conflicts that may arise during the development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in new product development, and why are they important?

To thrive in New Product Development, you need a strong background in product design, market analysis, and project management, often supported by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like CAD software, project management platforms (e.g., Jira, Asana), and methodologies such as Agile or Stage-Gate is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong problem-solving skills help individuals excel in cross-functional teams and drive innovation. These skills and qualities are vital for efficiently bringing successful, market-relevant products from concept to launch.

What is the difference between New Product Development vs Product Manager?

AspectNew Product DevelopmentProduct Manager
Primary FocusCreating and launching new products from concept to marketOverseeing the entire product lifecycle, including existing products
Skills & CredentialsDesign, engineering, market research, innovationMarket analysis, strategic planning, cross-functional leadership
Work EnvironmentR&D teams, engineering, design departmentsCross-departmental teams, marketing, sales, engineering
Industry UsageProduct development teams, innovation labsProduct management departments across industries

While New Product Development focuses on creating new products from scratch, Product Managers oversee the entire lifecycle of products, including existing ones. Both roles require collaboration across teams, but NPD is more innovation-driven, whereas Product Managers ensure product success throughout its market presence.

How to get into new product development?

To enter new product development, candidates typically need a background in engineering, design, marketing, or related fields, along with strong problem-solving and project management skills. Gaining experience through internships, developing knowledge of industry tools like CAD or prototyping software, and understanding market research are also beneficial. Certifications in product management or related areas can enhance prospects in this field.

Is new product development a good career?

New product development is a dynamic field that involves designing, testing, and launching new products, often requiring skills in market research, engineering, and project management. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in innovation and problem-solving, with opportunities across various industries and potential for advancement. Success in this field often depends on creativity, technical knowledge, and collaboration skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of New Product Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of New Product Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for New Product Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most New Product Development job openings:

Infographic showing various New Product Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,325 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Director, R&D and New Product Development

Corona, CA • On-site


Lubrizol Corporation
Chemical Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 101 rated chemical manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$160 - $220/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Director, R&D and New Product Development

Date: Aug 1, 2026

Location: Conrona, CA;Brecksville, OHwith a planned transitioning to Wickliffe, OH in 2028.

As Lubrizol approaches its centennial in 2028, our Wickliffe campus will become the unified home of Lubrizol’s global headquarters , integrating Lubrizol’s Brecksville site capabilities and employees to the Wickliffe campus.

Job Type:Hybrid. 4 days on-site

Salary Range: $160,000.00-$220,000.00 + Bonus

Travel Expectancy: 20 -40%


Shape the Future with Us.

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact - on your career, your community, and the world around you.

How You’ll Make an Impact

The Global Leader, New Product Development – Medical Devices is a senior technical and people leader responsible for medical device new product development, from concept through commercialization. This role owns NPD strategy, talent development, governance, and execution across multiple geographies and development centers, ensuring strong alignment with customer needs, regulatory requirements, and business strategy.

The role leads a global, multidisciplinary NPD organization, partners closely with Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Commercial, and Executive Leadership, and acts as a senior technical representative to key medical device OEM customers.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

  • Define and execute the global medical device NPD strategy aligned with business growth priorities, customer roadmaps, and portfolio strategy.
  • Identify and pursue adjacent medical device applications where our technologies and platforms can create differentiated value and drive organic growth.
  • Lead capability road mapping to define and build the new technical, testing, and development capabilities the group must invest in to sustain growth and capture high value programs.
  • Establish scalable development governance, stage-gate rigor, and portfolio prioritization to ensure consistent execution excellence.
  • Oversee complex, multi-site development programs from concept through commercialization, ensuring delivery to cost, schedule, performance, and quality expectations.
  • Partner with Quality and Regulatory to ensure compliance with FDA, CE/MDR, ISO 13485, and applicable global regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as senior technical interface with strategic OEM customers, supporting complex development engagements and long-term partnerships.
  • Collaborate with Commercial, Marketing, and Business Development to shape development proposals, technology roadmaps, and differentiated customer solutions.
  • Champion design-for-manufacturability, design-for-quality, and design-for-cost principles across global manufacturing platforms.
  • Ensure effective transfer of products from NPD to Manufacturing, preserving design intent, robustness, and scalability during launch and ramp-up.
  • Lead and develop a global organization of NPD engineers, scientists, and program leaders across multiple regions and sites.
  • Build technical bench strength through hiring, development, coaching, and succession planning.

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10 or more years of progressive experience in medical device product development in a regulated environment., including experience in thermoplastic precision extrusion and silicone processing.
  • Demonstrated experience leading global or multi-site technical teams.
  • Strong working knowledge of FDA design controls, ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, and CE/MDR requirements.
  • Proven track record delivering complex development programs from concept through commercialization and manufacturing transfer.

Preferred Qualifications that Drive you Forward

  • Advanced technical degree (MS or PhD).
  • Experience with catheter-based or minimally invasive medical device technologies.
  • Strong understanding of polymer-based medical devices and associated manufacturing processes.
  • Formal training or certification in program or portfolio management.
  • Experience operating effectively within matrixed global organizations.

Benefits that Empower You

  • Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
  • 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You.

For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you. We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value.

Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you. Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.

We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.

#LI-AM1


Nearest Major Market: Corona
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles
Job Segment: Chemical Research, R&D Engineer, Product Development, R&D, Compliance, Engineering, Research, Legal

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Lubrizol logo

About Lubrizol

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is committed to enabling a sustainable future. Our unmatched science unlocks immense possibilities at the molecular level, driving sustainable and measurable results to help the world Move Cleaner, Create Smarter and Live Better. Our solutions are used by people every day, improving billions of lives around the world.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wickliffe, OH, US

Year founded

1928

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Benefits

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