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Research And Development Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Onigilly Inc

Development Project Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

As our Development Project Manager, you'll be at the forefront of this exciting journey, guiding our food services projects to success. You'll oversee every detail, ensuring our onigiri reaches more ...

Onigilly Inc

Development Project Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

As our Development Project Manager, you'll be at the forefront of this exciting journey, guiding our food services projects to success. You'll oversee every detail, ensuring our onigiri reaches more ...

QuikTrip

Development Project Manager

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Manage the development process for new store construction and projects. * Develop, implement and maintain critical path and development strategy for each project. * Ensure speed and proficiency in ...

Five Iron Golf

Development Project Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120K/yr

We are seeking a Franchise Development Project Manager who will own and manage the end-to-end process of opening new franchise stores . This role is responsible for guiding franchisees through site ...

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Research And Development Project Manager information

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development project manager in the United States is $110,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectResearch And Development Project Manager

The Research And Development Project Manager focuses on overseeing R&D projects, managing innovation, and coordinating scientific or technical teams. They typically require technical credentials, such as engineering or science degrees, and work in labs or R&D departments. The Product Development Manager, on the other hand, concentrates on bringing products from concept to market, often requiring product management experience and market knowledge. Both roles are common in tech, manufacturing, and biotech industries, but their primary focus and skill sets differ. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

A Research and Development Project Manager works closely with cross-functional teams, including scientists, engineers, marketing, and manufacturing departments, to ensure project milestones are met efficiently. They facilitate regular meetings to align goals, communicate progress, and address any challenges that arise. By coordinating between different functional areas, the R&D Project Manager helps to integrate technical advancements with business objectives, ensuring smooth product development cycles and timely project delivery.

What does a Research and Development Project Manager do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects aimed at developing new products or improving existing ones. They coordinate teams of researchers, engineers, and other specialists, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that project goals align with company objectives. Additionally, they facilitate communication between stakeholders, monitor progress, and address any challenges that arise during the development process.

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

To thrive as a Research and Development Project Manager, you need a strong background in project management, technical expertise in relevant scientific or engineering fields, and often a degree in science, engineering, or a related discipline. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Jira), knowledge of regulatory standards, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are commonly required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills help drive innovation and align multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with industry standards while fostering a culture of innovation.
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Research And Development Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Project Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,709 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Development Project Manager

Outform Group, Inc.

Union City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

$80,000 to $120,000

JOB SUMMARY

The Development Project Manager (DPM) leads the development lifecycle of permanent display programs from initial concept through prototyping, estimating, and manufacturing readiness. This role bridges Sales, Engineering, Vendors, and Manufacturing to deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective solutions. The DPM is expected to bring strong mechanical aptitude, hands‑on problem‑solving ability, and a maker mindset to ensure prototypes, materials, and manufacturing strategies meet functional, aesthetic, and cost targets.

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

· Full ownership of development for assigned display programs, driving concept-to-production execution with an emphasis on manufacturability, feasibility, and build quality.

· Applies strong mechanical intuition and hands-on skills to evaluate physical builds, resolve issues, and guide engineering direction.

· Makes strategic decisions around materials, fabrication methods, vendors, and cost drivers to support profitability and mitigate risks.

· Ensures timely, accurate documentation including specifications, BOMs, ERP entries, prototype evaluations, and vendor communications.

· Acts as a technical problem-solver, performing root‑cause analysis and ensuring underlying issues—not symptoms—are addressed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Partner with Sales and Account Management to define project scope, budgets, fabrication methodology, and timelines.

· Develop precise project specifications translating sales requirements into engineering direction.

· Provide manufacturing and material guidance to Engineering, informed by practical fabrication limitations and spatial awareness.

· Participate directly in mockups and prototypes, applying hands‑on skills to evaluate functionality, assembly, fit, and manufacturability.

· Lead cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on cost, quality, engineering direction, and readiness for mass production.

· Conduct root‑cause analysis on mechanical or manufacturing challenges and drive corrective action.

· Manage vendor communications, including negotiating pricing, lead times, and production strategies.

· Oversee first article inspections with a maker‑oriented, detail‑driven approach to ensure specifications are met.

· Maintain accurate ERP documentation, including BOM modifications and revisions.

· Balance speed, cost, quality, and technical feasibility across multiple simultaneous projects.

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

· Account Management

· Engineering

· Purchasing / Procurement

· Estimating

· Manufacturing / Production

· Domestic & Global Vendors (including Asia)

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Success in this role will be measured against metrics including but not limited to:

· On‑time milestone completion rate – Development milestones delivered according to schedule.

· Prototype turnaround time – Average time required to produce and evaluate prototypes or mockups.

· Mechanical issue resolution time – Speed and effectiveness in diagnosing and resolving development or mechanical challenges.

· First‑pass prototype success rate – Ensuring prototypes are meeting functional, aesthetic, and manufacturing criteria without rework.

· Budget vs. target on development builds – Variance between estimated and actual development costs.

QUALIFICATIONS

· 5–10 years of project management experience within a manufacturing or product development environment.

· Strong mechanical and hands‑on problem‑solving skills; ability to understand assemblies and diagnose issues quickly.

· Experience building prototypes, mockups, or test models; strong manual dexterity and spatial awareness.

· Proven ability to independently manage complex, large‑scale development programs.

· Strong understanding of fabrication methods and manufacturing processes for materials such as acrylic, metal, and wood.

· Ability to read engineering drawings and translate into actionable build direction.

· Strong curiosity and technical depth; proven root‑cause problem-solving capabilities.

· Experience working with international suppliers, including long lead‑time partners in Asia (preferred).

· Proficiency in MS Office; advanced Excel skills a plus.

· Experience with MS Dynamics 365 or similar ERP systems (preferred).

· Strong communication, organization, and cross-functional alignment skills.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

· Strong mechanical intuition: Understands how things fit together and can diagnose issues quickly.

· Prototype‑driven, maker mindset: Enjoys hands‑on work, testing ideas, and iterating with real materials.

· Technical curiosity: Naturally explores how things work and proactively resolves core problems, not symptoms.

· Ownership mentality: Drives programs from concept through mass production with discipline and accountability.

· Fabrication awareness: Understands real-world constraints and has strong spatial and hand skills.

· Strategic and innovative thinker with strong autonomy.

· Clear and concise communicator who can distill technical information for non-technical audiences.

· Highly organized, proactive, and action-oriented with strong follow‑through.

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and drive decision-making.

· Thoughtful listener who values collaboration and continuous learning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working conditions include office and plant environments. Duties require walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, reaching, and manual handling of materials. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Extended computer and phone use required. Travel up to 10% of the time is required and is an essential function of this position.

DISCLAIMER

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.