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Product Development Scientist Jobs in California

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Product Development Scientist information

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$45.4K

$81.6K

$118.9K

How much do product development scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development scientist in California is $81,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development scientist do?

A Product Development Scientist is responsible for researching, designing, and developing new products or improving existing ones, often within industries like food, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods. They collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Their work includes conducting experiments, analyzing data, and scaling up processes from the laboratory to full production. Product Development Scientists play a key role in bringing innovative products to market and ensuring they satisfy customer needs.

What are some typical cross-functional collaborations for a product development scientist, and how do they impact project outcomes?

Product Development Scientists frequently collaborate with teams such as engineering, marketing, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. These collaborations ensure that product concepts are both scientifically sound and commercially viable, comply with regulatory standards, and meet customer needs. Effective communication and coordination with these groups are essential for troubleshooting challenges, refining formulations, and accelerating product launch timelines. Building strong relationships across departments can significantly impact the success and speed of bringing new products to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Development Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or engineering with a relevant degree, along with expertise in experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, statistical software, and quality management systems is typically required, and certifications in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills help drive innovation and facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for developing effective, safe, and market-ready products in competitive scientific industries.

What is the difference between Product Development Scientist vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectProduct Development ScientistFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product testing, cross-functional teamsLaboratories focused on formulation, testing, and stability studies
Industry UsageConsumer goods, pharmaceuticals, food & beveragePharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food & beverage

Product Development Scientists and Formulation Scientists often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Product Development Scientists focus on creating and improving products from concept to market, while Formulation Scientists specialize in developing specific formulations, such as drug or cosmetic formulas. Both roles are essential in bringing innovative products to consumers across various industries.

What does a product development scientist do?

A product development scientist assists a company with the entire process of new product development, from inception to production. As a product development scientist, your primary responsibilities are to research customer demand, develop concepts, and work on the formulation and completion of a product. You also document the development process, test new products to ensure adherence to safety standards and regulations, and assist with production. Your duties involve handling experimental design and execution, reviewing and analyzing data, and creating reports and preparing presentations. A product development scientist can work in a variety of industries, such as food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical, and may benefit from a diverse professional background.

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Product Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,575 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

R&D Scientist - Product Development (Immunology)

KMR Search Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description


Primary Responsibilities:
  • Work with various teams to identify and prioritize customer and product requirements
  • Craft and develop antibody IVD reagents using flow cytometry
  • Establish protocols, SOPs and product specifications for various flow reagents and kits
  • Advance applications and associated assay protocols for reagent products
  • Develop QC methods and standards
  • Write process and technical documents and transfer to R&D junior scientists, manufacturing and QC
  • Mentor junior scientists at remote locations and solve a broad range of scientific problems of varying scope and complexity
  • Communicate scientific results and progress updates in both written format and orally with various internal teams and external collaborators
  • Write or edit technical documents in English for regulatory certification and compliance

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D. in immunology, oncology, or related field
  • Ph.D. preferred
  • 5+ years of relevant immunology experience, combination of education
  • 2+ years of developing reagents in industry
  • Strong background in immunoassay development and flow cytometry applications
  • Proficient in designing, optimizing and analyzing
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work well in a team environment within a global organization
  • Demonstrated technical writing and oral communication skills
  • Proven ability to drive projects forward effectively

Additional Qualifications:
  • Multi-color antibody panels for basic or clinical research
  • Knowledge and experiences in infectious disease research, expertise in a beads-based immunoassay is a plus
  • IVD reagent development experience is desirable

Apply