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Research Development Manager Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The SRDO will provide leadership, strategy development, and management of large/complex research proposals. They will develop deep knowledge of college-based and multidisciplinary research programs ...

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on R&D Manager to lead the technical development of new products from concept through engineering validation, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering efforts ...

Business Development Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Business Development Manager Remote - New England Quanterix is a global leader in ultra-sensitive ... Its proprietary Simoa ® technology delivers industry-leading sensitivity, allowing researchers to ...

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Prepare sample recipes as directed by the Director of R&D. • Prepare R&D shipments to customers. • Manage and record daily production sample reviews and taste panel ...

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Research Development Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$52.7K

$110.6K

$179.3K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Boston, MA is $110,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $126,600.00 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Manager, Research & Development (onsite)

Manager, Research & Development (onsite)

Johnson Controls

Burlington, MA • On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 401 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.
Visit johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnsoncontrols on social platforms.
What you'll do
Thermal constraints limit AI infrastructure, semiconductor equipment, power electronics, and defense systems. JCI removes those constraints. Enabled by the Stack Forging™ process, JCI produces high-performance thermal components and cooling loop solutions - purpose-built for direct integration into AI, HPC, and mission-critical systems. JCI has built the industry's leading thermal management platform for the applications that demand it most.
As the Manager of the Stack Forging Thermal Solutions Research & Development team at Johnson Controls, you will be responsible for leading the team that develops new & innovative thermal management solutions. You will collaborate across the organization to contribute to a long-term thermal strategy grounded in commercial needs, the competitive landscape, and other internal technology roadmaps. You will scope, justify, and execute projects both as an individual contributor and as a team leader.
This position is based onsite at our facility in Burlington, MA. Candidates must be commuting distance to the facility, or able to relocate. Various relocation packages are available. This position also requires US citizenship and/or permanent resident.
How you will do it
  • Define research projects and report on them to leadership; take responsibility for leading a team to generate new, valuable ideas aligned with strategic priorities. Work with leadership to blend first-principles analysis, experimental results, simulation, and techno-economic analysis to create a clear and compelling vision for the outcome of your team's work.
  • Develop new thermal-fluid technologies: Run structured R&D efforts both as an individual contributor and team leader. Manage technical risk to ensure that impactful technologies can quickly be spun out of your team's research efforts.
  • Lead and Mentor: Hire, lead, and manage a lean and focused R&D team. Act as a source of technical excellence, acting as a subject matter expert and mentor on a range of technical topics.
  • Manage projects: Oversee the advanced technology development life cycle, from initial justification and scoping through technology transfer. Ensure that everyone on the team is working on the best idea, not just their favorite idea.

What you will need
Required

  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of industry experience
  • 3+ years of leadership experience with the ability to lead technical teams
  • Expertise in thermal management and liquid cooling, preferably with experience in data centers or high-performance computing
  • US Citizen and/or Permanent Resident. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred
  • Ability to align technical development with strategic business priorities.
  • A background in customer-facing roles, such as a Solutions Engineer, Technical Fellow, or Applications Engineer.
  • Experience in manufacturing and emerging technology settings.
  • Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM) principles, especially related to metal components or thermal systems.
  • Familiarity with thermal simulation software (e.g., CFD) and analytical modeling.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $140,000 - $200,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

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About Johnson Controls

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US