Research And Development Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

Position Summary

We are seeking a curious, energetic, and dependable Projects Development Assistant to support new product development projects from the initial idea through final launch.

This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys learning, solving problems, researching new ideas, and figuring out how different pieces of a project come together. You will work across various stages of product development, including research, cost analysis, packaging, supplier coordination, project organization, and product launch.

Industry experience is not required. We are willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates the curiosity, attitude, and willingness to learn necessary to succeed in the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with new product development projects from initial concept through launch.
• Research new product ideas, industry trends, and products currently available in the market.
• Research and identify potential suppliers, vendors, packaging options, and materials.
• Gather information and compare products, suppliers, pricing, and other project options.
• Perform and understand cost analysis, including evaluating product costs, materials, packaging, suppliers, and other expenses.
• Help determine product costs and evaluate different options to support sound business decisions.
• Communicate and coordinate with vendors and suppliers as needed.
• Assist with organizing project timelines, information, documentation, and deliverables.
• Track projects and help ensure tasks are completed and projects continue moving forward.
• Support the development of packaging and other product requirements.
• Assist with coordinating the various steps required to bring a new product to market.
• Learn and understand how research, sourcing, costing, packaging, suppliers, operations, and other functions work together during a product launch.
• Provide general project and administrative support as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Strong curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Ability to understand and perform cost analysis and compare costs between different products, materials, suppliers, and options.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Comfortable using computers and learning new software and systems.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dependable and able to follow through on assignments.
• Ability to ask questions and seek information when needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an interest in figuring out how things work.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand products, components, or equipment.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and tasks in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with product development, project coordination, purchasing, sourcing, or operations.
• Experience working with vendors or suppliers.
• Experience with cost analysis, pricing, budgeting, or comparing supplier quotes.
• Experience assisting with a new product, project, or business initiative from concept through launch.
• Familiarity with basic mechanical concepts or product components.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is naturally curious and enjoys learning new things.
• Likes solving problems and figuring things out.
• Can look at different options and determine which makes the most sense from both a practical and cost perspective.
• Is organized, dependable, and detail-oriented.
• Is comfortable asking questions and taking initiative.
• Enjoys variety and working on different projects.
• Is willing to learn and take on new responsibilities.