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Research Development Manager Jobs in Modesto, CA

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Foundation Operations and Grants Coordinator

Modesto, CA · On-site

$70K - $86K/yr

Essential Responsibilities Grant Strategy & Portfolio Management * Lead the research, development, writing, submission, and reporting of all foundation, corporate, and government grant proposals.

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Research Development Manager information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$51.2K

$107.4K

$174.1K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Modesto, CA is $107,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $122,900.00 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 cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Research Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Modesto, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,393 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Research & Development Mechanical Engineer

SPECTRA TECH, Inc.

Livermore, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

What your job will be like
The Telemetry (TM) team at the National Laboratories in Livermore, CA is seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team! We are responsible for the design, development, testing, and qualification of multiple telemetry products across the ND portfolio. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will contribute to the mechanical design, conduct full product environmental testing, and verify requirements in support of qualification and product delivery. Your role will also include fixture development, documentation, hardware assembly, and managing fabrication processes. Our telemetry units are highly integrated electro-mechanical designs that must operate effectively in severe environments. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate with a multi-faceted engineering team.
A successful candidate would have skills and experience with the following:
Mechanical Testing (Shock, Vibration, Temperature, Pressure, Humidity) and data analysis
Strong design skills in CAD (CREO preferred)
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge
Experience designing for multiple manufacturing processes including machined aluminum, sheet metal and 3D printing (FDM)
Demonstrated strong documentation related to product development within a quality management system
Mentorship and leadership ability
Strong, methodical approach to problem-solving
Collaborate with stakeholders to understand and document system needs and requirements for Telemetry hardware
Work with a cross-functional team to establish long-term visions and short-term priorities for the mechanical engineering team
Utilize critical thinking to troubleshoot both mechanical and electromechanical issues, providing solutions within programmatic constraints
Engage in hands-on work with the Telemetry product through fabrication and testing activities
Use CREO and PDMLink to design and model the Telemetry product\
Perform and analyze fine element analysis (FEA) simulations for stress, strain, modal and thermal environments
Work with vendors and Sandia buyers to procure development parts
Work with MCAD and the product definition team to create and authorize product drawings
The position requires an ability to travel up to 25% to support the mission.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time at the Livermore, CA facility.
Qualifications we Require
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
Demonstrated experience with Creo, Solidworks, or similar MCAD design tool.
Demonstrated experience developing or executing procedures associated with high value hardware (flight, customer deliverable, production).
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance.
Qualifications we Desire:
The ideal R&D S&E Mechanical Engineer candidate for the National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated breadth of knowledge in Mechanical Engineering and other engineering fields through school projects or work experience.
Demonstrated experience drafting drawings using GD&T per ANSI Y14.5.
Experience in roles that required leadership and/or mentorship.

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