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Research And Development Associate Jobs in California

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Associate Manager

Lake Forest, CA

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Associate Manager FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research & Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development SALARY RANGE : $89,000 - $110,000 / Annual Position ...

Del Taco

R&D Associate Manager

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Associate Manager FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research & Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development SALARY RANGE : $89,000 - $110,000 / Annual Position ...

ALO

Sweater R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

OVERVIEW We are seeking a creative and technically skilled Sweater R&D Associate to lead the development and innovation of sweater yarns. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of yarn ...

ALO

Sweater R&D Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

OVERVIEW We are seeking a creative and technically skilled Sweater R&D Associate to lead the development and innovation of sweater yarns. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of yarn ...

GPL Technologies

Business Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$47K - $65K/yr

Research target accounts in media, entertainment, advertising, post-production, VFX, gaming, and ... Business Development Associate Focus: prospecting, qualification, CRM, meeting generation, account ...

CONAM

Real Estate Development Associate

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Development Associate - On Site at the Corporate Office, San Diego, CA Who We Are: Founded in 1975 ... Research and analyze a variety of sources such as general plans, ordinances, court decisions, legal ...

CONAM

Real Estate Development Associate

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Development Associate - On Site at the Corporate Office, San Diego, CA Who We Are: Founded in 1975 ... Research and analyze a variety of sources such as general plans, ordinances, court decisions, legal ...

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Research And Development Associate information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$52.7K

$79.9K

How much do research and development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development associate in California is $52,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research And Development Associate vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectResearch And Development AssociateQuality Control Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or engineeringBachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, product development teamsManufacturing facilities, labs, quality assurance departments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, consumer goods, biotech companiesFood production, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Research And Development Associates focus on creating and improving products through experimentation and innovation, working mainly in labs and development teams. Quality Control Technicians primarily ensure product quality by testing and inspecting products during manufacturing. While both roles require scientific knowledge and lab skills, R&D Associates are more involved in development, whereas QC Technicians focus on quality assurance during production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Associate, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and typically a relevant degree such as in chemistry, biology, or engineering. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software, and research documentation systems is commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving innovation, ensuring accurate results, and effectively collaborating on new product or process development.

What are some common challenges Research and Development Associates face when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Research and Development Associates often encounter challenges when shifting from academia to industry, such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, balancing multiple concurrent projects, and focusing on practical, commercially viable solutions rather than purely theoretical research. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—like marketing, production, and quality assurance—is also more prevalent, requiring strong communication and project management skills. Embracing a results-driven approach and learning to effectively communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders are key to success in this role.

What are Research and Development Associates?

Research and Development (R&D) Associates are professionals who support the creation and improvement of products, services, or processes within an organization. They typically conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with scientists, engineers, or product managers to innovate and solve technical challenges. R&D Associates play a vital role in helping companies remain competitive by driving new ideas from concept to reality. Their work often involves staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and scientific advancements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Associate jobs in California? For Research And Development Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research And Development Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Research And Development Associate job openings:
Research And Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,718 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
R&D Associate Manager

R&D Associate Manager

Del Taco, LLC

Lake Forest, CA

$89K - $110K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Del Taco rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 104 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

JOB TITLE: R&D Associate Manager

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Research & Development

REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development

SALARY RANGE: $89,000 - $110,000 / Annual


Position Summary:


Seeking an innovative product developer with a growth mindset and a desire to create and inspire the food culture at Del Taco. This position is responsible for the execution of the innovation pipeline. This includes product design and experimentation, leveraging consumer insights throughout development, commercialization with cross functional partners, and presenting progress to leadership for feedback and alignment throughout the innovation process. The R&D Associate Manager will play a key role in bringing Del Taco Innovation to life!

 

Essential Job Functions / Duties:


  • Contribute to an innovative, curiosity-driven, food forward mindset in the organization
  • Design, develop, and test new products to ensure they meet ideal customer experience in restaurant. (hold time, temperature, product yields, shelf life, texture, etc.)
  • Lead the development and alignment of product culinary gold standards and specifications to ensure high quality standards throughout commercialization.
  • Partner with Finance to develop cost for new products.
  • Supports the team to maintain Marketing and Research & Development plans and timelines, including key tasks and milestones to meet project due dates. 
  • Attend and provide assembly and expertise for new product photoshoots & commercials.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross functional partners and suppliers (Operations, Supply Chain, Consumer Insights, Finance) to move projects forward and to work through identified issues.
  • Present product updates to key stakeholders as we move through the innovation process
  • Access emerging culinary and industry trends to explore ways to apply the learning to Del Taco projects.

 

Skills and Experience

 

  • Proven hands-on product developer and implementer of innovation projects
  • Proven sensory knowledge to test and establish ideal product characteristics (culinary gold standard) that are communicated and delivered in end-product to consumer
  • Ability to work closely with suppliers in developing and improving processes to achieve commercial viability for products
  • Demonstrates a practical approach of product development and operational systems, supplier food processing, and the impact of distribution chains
  • Proven track record of working with and influencing cross-functional partners
  • Must work well with diverse groups and support a working team relationship
  • High energy, positive, proactive, and flexible team player
  • Strong analytical/investigative and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects from start to finish while maintaining priorities and details
  • Able to work independently, proactively, and communicate with the team (verbal and written)
  • Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

  

Education & Work Experience


  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary, or related field with 5-7 years product development experience in restaurant industry.   

 

Tools & Technologies


  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook Email
  • Able to communicate clearly over email and phone

Licenses / Permits Required

 

  • ServSafe Manager Certification (can be obtained once hired)
  • Food Handler's Certificate (can be obtained once hired)
  • Valid Driver License and reliable transportation

  

Additional Requirements


  • Requires mainly working from the corporate office/test kitchen environment located in Lake Forest, CA; Monday - Friday
  • Extended periods of standing and working in kitchen
  • Approximately 10% - 20% travel required, training sessions and meetings are a part of the job
  • May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate. (e.g., emergencies, changes in workload, rush projects, other tasks)



LIST TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED ON THIS JOB:

Kitchen and Office equipment


What Del Taco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Del Taco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We proudly work harder to make fast, awesome fresh Mexican food accessible to everyone, creating delightful moments for our guests. Working at Del Taco, you'll feel proud that you are part of an iconic brand, where we actually grill, shred and chop fresh ingredients. You'll feel proud that you have a chance to grow and earn more as you work through a realistic and achievable career path. It's not about JUST DOING IT, It's about BEING THE BEST at doing it. Learn more about being the best you can be.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, CA, US

Year founded

1964

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