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Research And Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

voyant

Research & Development Chemist

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

A key part of the role involves staying current with new product chemistries and market trends to drive innovation and product development. What you will do * Research, formulate, and reverse ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved products across retail, club, and foodservice channels. This role will drive ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of new and improved products across retail, club, and foodservice channels. This role will drive ...

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Research and Development (R&D) role, and why are they important?

A successful R&D professional typically possesses a strong background in scientific or technical disciplines, supported by relevant degrees such as a BS, MS, or PhD in fields like engineering, chemistry, or biology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and project management tools, along with certifications like Six Sigma or PMP, is often required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills that help drive innovation and teamwork. These competencies are vital for developing new products, improving processes, and maintaining a competitive edge in fast-evolving markets.

What are typical challenges faced by professionals in Research and Development (R&D) roles?

Professionals in R&D roles often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative thinking with practical constraints like budget, timelines, and regulatory requirements. They must also navigate uncertainties related to experimental results and manage cross-functional collaboration with teams such as marketing, production, and quality assurance. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and maintaining clear documentation throughout the development process are also crucial to success. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential to overcome these common hurdles and drive projects forward.

What is research and development (R&D)?

Research and Development (R&D) refers to the activities companies undertake to innovate and introduce new products or services. It involves researching market needs, creating new ideas, and developing prototypes or processes to bring those ideas to life. R&D is crucial for business growth, helping organizations stay competitive by improving existing products or inventing new ones. Professionals in this field often work in laboratories, engineering departments, or product design teams.

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

AspectResearch And DevelopmentProduct Development
FocusCreating new knowledge, innovations, and prototypesDesigning, building, and launching new or improved products
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research centers, R&D departmentsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, project teams
Required CredentialsScience or engineering degrees, research experienceEngineering, design, or product management background
Industry UsageTech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturingConsumer goods, electronics, automotive

Research And Development focuses on generating new knowledge and innovations, often in labs or research centers. Product Development takes those innovations and transforms them into market-ready products through design, testing, and manufacturing processes. While R&D is about discovery, product development is about application and commercialization.

More about Research And Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Research And Development jobs? Cities with the most Research And Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs are:
What states have the most Research And Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Research And Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development jobs are:
Research And Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Technician, Research & Development

Technician, Research & Development

See's Candy Shops, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

See's Candies rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 10 rated sweet chocolate shops

Job description

Work is Sweet!
'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.
See's is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.
Job Description Summary:
The Research & Development (R&D) Technician supports R&D management in developing new confectionary and candy products, testing new ingredients, and reformulating current products to improve product attributes and processes and/or to comply to new regulations.
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $26- $28 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Job Description:
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide assistance and support benchtop and plant trials under direction of R&D management. Support tasks include (but not limited to) collecting trial samples for evaluation and recording trial data. Attention to details is essential.
  • Provide documentation support through accurate data gathering and entry into technical documents such as specifications, JobAids, and related documents.
  • Support entry of recipes/formulations into ERP/software system.
  • Support sensory and/or laboratory analyses and testing through preparing and labeling samples, scheduling sensory tests, and distributing confectionary and candy samples. Familiarity with food and beverage sensory testing is a plus.
  • Utilize the digital sensory evaluation platform (e.g., RedJade) to design and execute studies, including setting up evaluations and extracting statistically-sound data analyses to support product development decisions.
  • Assist R&D management with data gathering and recording of processing settings from confectionery production lines.
  • Coordinate the storage of samples under direction of R&D management.
  • Participate in the sensory evaluations, as appropriate, under the direction of R&D management. Timely communicate task/project updates to appropriate stakeholders.
  • Attend and participate in operational and project meetings, as appropriate.
  • Follow all company, safety, and regulatory standards.
  • Accommodate flexibility on rare occasions to work outside standard business hours to support trial & production schedules.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 1 - 2 years experience in technical support, product development, manufacturing, engineering or other relevant category of food manufacturing/consumer goods industry.
  • Previous technician and/or Summer Intern experience(s) at a consumer goods/food industry company is a plus.
  • Laboratory or product development bench work experience in food and beverage industry is a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Strong time management skills. Proactive and attention to details.
  • Basic computer skills required, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams.
  • Must adhere to strict food production and hygiene protocols, including wearing hairnets, gloves, non-slip shoes, as appropriate.
  • Able to safely work around food products, which may include common allergens such as nuts, peanuts, and dairy.
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.

OTHER INFORMATION:
  • This is a hands-on, on-site position.
  • Primary work location is located at See's Candies Los Angelos Manufacturing Plant.

Core Values
All team members must demonstrate a commitment to See's core principles and workplace values, including integrity, commitment, experience, and stewardship in all aspects of their work.
The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
See's is an EOE
See's will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).

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