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Research And Development Manager Jobs in California

McCrometer, Inc.

VP, Research & Development

Hemet, CA · On-site

$190 - $220/hr

The VP, R&D leads the engineering organization and is responsible for building a robust innovation ... Establish and manage an effective innovation and portfolio management process. * Collaborate cross ...

Regal Executive Search

R&D Tax Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

R&D Tax Services Manager Position Summary: Tax Manager - Research & Development Tax Credit The Tax Manager in the Research & Development Tax Credit group supervises R&D projects, researches tax ...

Pro-Dex, Inc.

R&D Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$165K - $175K/yr

The R&D Manager leads the design and development of orthopedic and powered surgical medical devices from concept through commercialization while providing technical, functional, and people leadership ...

Vishay

Senior Director R&D

San Jose, CA

Defining, implementing and/or maintaining R&D strategy, guidelines, systems and services for VISHAY ... Proposes institutes or universities for research cooperation, manages agreed projects and evaluate ...

Astrix Inc

R&D Manager- Beverages

Pacoima, CA · On-site

$45 - $56/hr

We're seeking an R&D Manager to join their dynamic team! Job Title : R&D Product Development Manager Location: Los Angeles County , CA Job type: Contract-hire Pay rate: $45- $56/ hr. Position Summary:

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All JobsResearch And Development JobsResearch And Development Manager JobsResearch And Development Manager Jobs in California

Research And Development Manager information

See California salary details

$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 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 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 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:

Research And Development Manager jobs near you
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.

Sr Chemist or Product Development Manager

Propedix, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Description – Sr. Chemist or Product Development Manager
About the Company:  Propedix is a biopharma and consumer health company dedicated to advancing innovative treatments in healthcare. Our flagship product Dryello for Athletes Foot, featuring our breakthrough anti-fungal and drying agent technology, launched in Q3 2025, and we have a pipeline of advanced OTC and Rx treatments in dermatology and health. Driven by strong research and development, we’re delivering the next generation of topical skin solutions.
Position:   Sr. Chemist or Product Development Manager (30 hours per week for contract or Full time for W-2 Postion )
Position Overview: The Chemist or Product Development Manager will play a key role in the research, development, testing, and commercialization of new OTC dermatology and anti-fungal products, with an initial focus on next-generation anti-fungal sticks and related topical technologies. This position combines hands-on scientific work with project management responsibilities and coordination with contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, and development partners.  The position will work closely with the Director of Manufacturing, Project Manager, Chief Medical Officer, and Chair of the SAB.
Chemist, Product Development Manager Responsibilities
A. Product Development & Formulation Support
·       Support development of new anti-fungal and topical OTC products.
·       Manage formulation development, prototype evaluation, and product optimization.
·       Coordinate laboratory testing and stability studies of products in development.
·       Maintain accurate experimental records and technical documentation.
B. Chemical Analysis & Testing
·       Conduct and oversee chemical and physical testing of raw materials and finished products.
·       Review analytical data generated by third-party laboratories.
·       Assist in development and validation of analytical methods.
C. New Product - Project Management
·       Work with Company’s project manager to ensure product development projects are properly documented, evaluated, tracked from concept through commercialization.
·       Coordinate activities among CMOs, testing laboratories, and internal stakeholders.
·       Investigate product quality issues and support root-cause analyses.
D. External Partner Management
·       Serve as a primary technical contact for CMOs and external laboratories.
·       Coordinate sample submissions, testing schedules, and technical communications.
Location: Remote position with requirement to be in the lab at least 2 days per week (on average) and attend in-person all day meetings on a monthly basis. Due to the in-person lab requirements, candidates should reside in either a) Northern Colorado (Denver–Fort Collins corridor) or b) Southern California (Orange County or San Diego County).

Education/ Experience/ Necessary Skills
Education: Bachelor’s degree required in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline.  Advanced technical degree highly advantageous but not required.
Experience Requirements: 
Senior Chemist: 5 to 10 years of relevant industry experience.
Product Development Manager: 7 to 12 years of relevant industry experience including experience leading and managing new formulations development processes through the clinical development.  
Very strong preference in either position for experience in OTC pharmaceuticals, dermatology, topical products, cosmetics, consumer health products, or regulated manufacturing environments. Candidates without OTC, biopharma industry, consumer health/cosmetics and lab experience should not apply.
Knowledge and familiarity FDA processes required.
Skills & Competencies:
Analytical & Instrumentation Skills
  • Proficient in operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV‑Vis, Karl Fischer, viscometers, pH meters, analytical balances, and titration systems.
  • Skilled in method execution, sample preparation, calibration, and troubleshooting of routine analytical equipment.
  • Ability to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of raw materials, in‑process samples, and finished formulations.
  • Experience interpreting chromatograms, spectra, and other analytical outputs to support formulation decisions and quality investigations.
  • Familiarity with stability testing, degradation profiling, and analytical method verification.
Formulation Development & Product Creation
  • Hands‑on experience compounding, batching, and preparing prototype formulations for topical, dermal, or personal‑care products.
  • Ability to design and execute bench‑scale experiments, adjust formulation variables, and document results with scientific rigor.
  • Skilled in evaluating physical and chemical properties (viscosity, hardness, spreadability, homogeneity, phase stability, pH, density).
  • Experience scaling formulations from bench to pilot and supporting tech transfer to manufacturing.
  • Understanding of ingredient functionality (emollients, emulsifiers, actives, preservatives, humectants, rheology modifiers) and how they influence product performance.
Testing, Characterization & Quality
  • Ability to perform routine QC tests, including (but not limited to) appearance, viscosity, pH, specific gravity and melting point.
  • Experience conducting accelerated and real‑time stability studies, including sample pulls, data trending, and reporting.
  • Skilled in root‑cause analysis, deviation support, and contributing to CAPA investigations.
  • Familiarity with raw material qualification, COA review, and supplier documentation.
Regulatory, GLP, and GMP Compliance
  • Working knowledge of relevant Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for documentation, data integrity, and sample handling in a CPG or OTC environment, including batch record review, change control, and controlled documentation.
  • Ability to follow SOPs, test methods, and controlled procedures with precision and traceability.
  • Experience maintaining clean, safe, and compliant laboratory environments, including chemical handling, waste disposal, and equipment logs.
Technical Documentation & Communication
  • Strong ability to write lab reports, formulation records, test methods, and development summaries suitable for QA and regulatory review.
  • Skilled in maintaining batch sheets, and experimental documentation with audit‑ready accuracy.
  • Ability to communicate technical findings to cross‑functional teams (R&D, QA, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Marketing).  
Hours:  Contract position is 30 hours per week.  For both roles, expectations for availability is during company work hours of 8:30 to 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Mon to Fri.  Hybrid.  2 to 3 days a week can be remote, home office.  Flexible schedule with availability for meetings and project coordination during normal business hours.
Compensation:
Salary ranges vary depending on experience level and if candidate is looking for part-time or full-time:
 | Senior Chemist |
Part Time (Contract): $60k to $72k annual salary
Full Time (Employee): $80k to $90k annual salary + benefits + initial LTI (Stock Option grants)
 | Manager, Prod Dev |
Part-Time (Contract): $72k to $84k annual salary
Full-Time: $90k to $110k annual salary + benefits + initial LTI (Stock Option grants)

Support and Supervisor:   Reports directly to the CEO and works closely with CMO, Chair of SAB, technical, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and external development partners.