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Research And Development Manager Jobs in California

Manage routine lab maintenance and upkeep, including inventory, cleaning, and organization ... Record, compile and analyze experimental data and present findings to the R&D team. * Assist with ...

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Research And Development Manager information

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$47.9K

$100.5K

$162.8K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development manager in California is $100,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development Manager?

To thrive as a Research and Development Manager, you need a background in science or engineering, proven project management skills, and experience leading innovation initiatives, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with R&D management software, data analytics tools, and relevant certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are commonly required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and clear communication skills help you motivate teams and drive projects forward. These capabilities are essential for delivering innovative products, optimizing processes, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

How does a Research and Development Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Research and Development Manager works closely with teams across engineering, marketing, production, and quality assurance to ensure project goals align with business objectives. They often lead brainstorming sessions, coordinate timelines, and facilitate communication between departments to address technical challenges and integrate feedback. This collaboration ensures that new products or processes are innovative, feasible, and market-ready. Being proactive in cross-team communication is essential for keeping projects on track and ensuring successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Research And Development Manager vs Product Development Manager?

AspectResearch And Development ManagerProduct Development Manager
Primary FocusInnovating and developing new technologies or processesDesigning and launching new products or improving existing ones
Work EnvironmentLabs, R&D departments, technical teamsDesign studios, engineering teams, marketing
Required CredentialsScience or engineering degrees, technical expertiseEngineering, business, or marketing degrees, project management skills
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturingConsumer goods, tech, automotive, electronics

Both roles involve product innovation but differ in focus: R&D Managers concentrate on creating new technologies and processes, while Product Development Managers focus on bringing products to market and improving existing offerings. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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 Manager jobs in California?

For Research And Development Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Research And Development Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research And Development Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,461 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Motorola

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.


Department OverviewSilvus Technologies, a leading provider of advanced MANET and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical applications - on the ground, in the air and at sea. Its battle-proven StreamCaster family of MANET radios and proprietary MN-MIMO waveform provides the vital communications link for defense, law enforcement and public safety agencies around the world, and in the toughest operational environments.
With deep roots in DARPA research, Silvus Technologies develops world-class advanced communications technologies that are reshaping the tactical communications landscape. From pure line-of-sight to extreme non-line-of-sight, Silvus radios form a self-healing, self-forming mesh network, enabling secure and reliable connectivity, including video and high-bandwidth data.
Silvus Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Job Description

Would you like to join an incredibly talented group of people, doing very challenging work, with the prime directive of "Keeping Our Heroes Connected"?

THE OPPORTUNITY

Silvus is seeking a Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer who will report to the Vice President of Research & Development on the R&D team. The successful individual in this role will oversee and participate in the planning, design, implementation, prototyping, and verification of wireless technology projects.

This position is based at Silvus Technologies' headquarters in the heart of vibrant West Los Angeles, CA, and is on a hybrid schedule. A minimum of 3 days onsite per week is expected. On-site days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Technical management of Research and Development projects and programs to include:

    • Responsibility for overall system design and requirement specification.

    • Setting and tracking development schedules and tasks.

    • Participating in the hands-on design, simulation, and verification work.

    • Overseeing relevant simulation, software, FPGA, and testing efforts.

    • Customer-facing engagement and technical material preparation when needed.

    • Reporting to management, as required for strategic planning and assessment.

  • Participate in Research and Development business development and capture efforts to include:

    • Whitepaper and proposal preparation.

    • Understand current technology and pitch future enhancements and strategies.

    • Communicate (telephone/email/in-person) engagement with government and industry.

  • Work collaboratively within the senior Research and Development team on the following:

    • Executing larger, team-wide projects.

    • Setting a comprehensive team-wide technology portfolio and pipeline.

  • Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

    • Supervise a team of engineers to fulfill functions or project needs.

    • Participate in the drafting of job descriptions and screening/ interviewing engineering candidates.

  • Travel Requirements - Infrequent travel to support customer interactions, test and demonstration events, or for team meetings at Los Angeles, CA headquarters or other locations.

  • Perform other related duties of which the above are representative.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related communication and/or engineering technology field (i.e., wireless communications, signal processing, networking, RF design, etc.).

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.

  • 5 years of demonstrated experience in technical project leadership (i.e., principal investigator, technical program management, etc.).

  • Participation in the complete technology development cycle: design to field testing.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.

  • All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Simulation and prototyping software: C/C++, MATLAB, Python, etc.

  • Radio frequency propagation, channel modeling, digital communication.

  • Wireless ad-hoc mesh networking, medium access, and routing algorithms.

  • Signal processing algorithms, MIMO, OFDM, beam-nulling, etc.

  • Cognitive radio congested and contested spectrum, interference mitigation.

  • Radio frequency sensing, signal detection, classification, etc.

  • Technical writing, proposal preparation, and technical presentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Office environment.

  • Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and allergens while performing tests or demonstrations in the field.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do the following:

- Lift equipment up to 20 lbs. for the set-up of demonstrations and testing.

- Perform bending and reaching movements to place items on lower and higher shelves.

- Kneeling or squatting to access lower shelves.

- Walking/Moving in the labs

#silvuscareers

COMPENSATION: $180,000 - $250,000 / annually

Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.

NOTE - As a US Federal Contractor, Silvus Technologies requires that ALL candidates being considered for employment for any position (regardless of level) MUST be a U.S. Person (permanent resident or citizen). Stricter U.S. Citizen ONLY requirements (needed for some Engineering or R&D roles) will be included in the Required Qualifications section of the posted position. This does NOT apply to international positions; only job postings for positions located in the US.


Basic Requirements
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related communication and/or engineering technology field (i.e., wireless communications, signal processing, networking, RF design, etc.).
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.
  • 5 years of demonstrated experience in technical project leadership (i.e., principal investigator, technical program management, etc.).
  • Participation in the complete technology development cycle: design to field testing.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.

Travel Requirements10-25%
Relocation ProvidedDomestic
Position TypeExperienced
Referral Payment PlanYes

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


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About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928