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Research Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prospect Research Manager

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... development, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Last year's applicant pool drew from 72 zip codes ... The Bishop's School seeks a Prospect Research Manager with immediate start. Reporting to the Senior ...

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 ...

R&D Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

R&D MANAGER Location: Orange, California Company: California Analytical Instruments (CAI) - ENVEA Group Lead Innovation. Drive Product Development. Inspire Technical Excellence. California Analytical ...

R&D Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

R&D MANAGER Location: Orange, California Company: California Analytical Instruments (CAI) - ENVEA Group Lead Innovation. Drive Product Development. Inspire Technical Excellence. California Analytical ...

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 ...

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Research Development Manager information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$100.5K

$162.8K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research 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 does a research and development manager do?

A research and development manager oversees the development of new products, processes, or technologies within an organization. They coordinate research activities, manage teams of scientists or engineers, and ensure projects meet technical and business goals, often using project management tools and industry standards.

How much do R&D managers make in the US?

Research and Development (R&D) managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $90,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and require strong leadership and project management skills to oversee innovation and product development teams.

What is the difference between Research Development Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a Research Development Manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.

Is R&D stressful as a career?

Research and Development Managers often face stress due to project deadlines, innovation demands, and managing cross-functional teams. The role requires problem-solving skills, adaptability, and often involves long hours, especially during critical phases of product development or research projects.

What is the role of a research and development manager?

A research and development manager oversees the development of new products, processes, or technologies within an organization. They coordinate research activities, manage teams of scientists or engineers, and ensure projects align with company goals, often utilizing project management tools and technical expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Motorola

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 142 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.


What Motorola Solutions employees say

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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