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Research Development Manager Jobs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Envea

R&D Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

Research & Development Manager Department: Market Engagement & Product Strategy (MEPS) Reports to: Director of R&D Lead Innovation. Drive Product Development. Inspire Technical Excellence. California ...

Envea

R&D Manager

Orange, CA

Research & Development Manager Department: Market Engagement & Product Strategy (MEPS) Reports to: Director of R&D Lead Innovation. Drive Product Development. Inspire Technical Excellence. California ...

Regal Executive Search

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 ...

Pro-Dex, Inc.

R&D Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$165K - $175K/yr

The R&D Manager leads the design and development of orthopedic and powered surgical medical devices from concept through commercialization while providing technical, functional, and people leadership ...

Pro-Dex Inc

R&D Manager

Irvine, CA

$165K - $175K/yr

The R amp;D Manager leads the design and development of orthopedic and powered surgical medical devices from concept through commercialization while providing technical, functional, and people ...

Del Taco

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake ... Must demonstrate the ability to successfully manage multiple projects concurrently in a lean ...

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA

$89K - $110K/yr

Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director of Culinary Research & Development LOCATION: Lake ... Must demonstrate the ability to successfully manage multiple projects concurrently in a lean ...

Flowserve

Specialist R&D Engineer

Temecula, CA · On-site

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for ... Collaborate with project management teams to establish project schedules, align expectations, and ...

Flowserve

Specialist R&D Engineer

Temecula, CA

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for ... Collaborate with project management teams to establish project schedules, align expectations, and ...

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All JobsResearch Development JobsResearch Development Manager JobsResearch Development Manager Jobs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Research Development Manager information

See Rancho Santa Margarita, CA salary details

$52.5K

$110.2K

$178.6K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is $110,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $126,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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.

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.

Is a research development manager a good job?

A research development manager oversees research projects and coordinates efforts to innovate and improve products or services. The role typically requires strong project management, communication skills, and knowledge of research methodologies, with employment prospects often stable in industries like technology, healthcare, and academia.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA are:

What cities near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA with the most Research Development Manager job openings:

Research Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,214 per year, or $53 per hour.

R&D Manager

Envea

Orange, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

ENVEA is one of the world's leading companies in the field of environmental and industrial instrumentation, analysis and measurement. Since it was founded in 1978, ENVEA has designed, manufactured and marketed equipment for the continuous measurement of ambient air, emissions and industrial processes, as well as data processing software. A true flagship of French Industry and a pioneer in technology, throughout it history ENVEA has placed environmental protection and sustainable innovation at the heart of the development of its measuring instruments, its startegy and its founding values
Job Title: Research & Development Manager
Department: Market Engagement & Product Strategy (MEPS)
Reports to: Director of R&D
Lead Innovation. Drive Product Development. Inspire Technical Excellence.
California Analytical Instruments (CAI), part of the ENVEA Group, is seeking a passionate and technically driven R&D Manager to lead the development of next-generation gas analysis products and technologies.
We are looking for more than a manager - we are looking for a technical conductor: a hands-on engineering leader capable of orchestrating multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, electronics, software, and production engineering to bring innovative products from concept to market launch.
The ideal candidate combines strong engineering expertise with natural leadership, product passion, and the ability to align teams around a common technical vision and execution strategy.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As the R&D Manager, you will lead and coordinate the full product development lifecycle for advanced gas analyzers and instrumentation systems. You will serve as the technical bridge between R&D, production, quality, and product management while ensuring innovation, manufacturability, reliability, and on-time delivery.
You must be comfortable operating both strategically and technically - capable of guiding architecture decisions, facilitating design reviews, solving complex engineering challenges, and motivating multidisciplinary technical teams.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in an innovation-driven environment and genuinely enjoys building products, solving problems, and leading engineers toward shared success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Development Leadership
  • Lead new product development (NPD) projects from concept through industrialization and market launch
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams including Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software/Firmware Engineering, Production/Industrial Engineering
  • Act as the central technical leader driving execution, prioritization, and cross-functional alignment
  • Ensure project execution meets milestones for quality, cost, schedule, and performance

Technical Leadership & Engineering Expertise
  • Provide leadership in product architecture, system integration, and design strategy
  • Participate in technical reviews, troubleshooting, and engineering decision-making
  • Guide teams through design challenges, validation activities, and product optimization
  • Support design-for-manufacturing, reliability, and scalability initiatives
  • Drive engineering excellence and best practices across hardware and software development

Production & Design Change Support
  • Partner closely with Manufacturing and Quality teams to support production and lifecycle management
  • Lead technical resolution of complex production or field issues
  • Manage engineering change requests (ECR/ECO) and product evolution activities
  • Ensure smooth transition from development to production

Team & Culture
  • Inspire and mentor multidisciplinary technical teams
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovation-focused engineering culture
  • Promote technical curiosity, ownership, and passion for product excellence
  • Help build a strong engineering identity within the organization

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline
  • 7+ years of experience in product development, engineering, or R&D leadership
  • Proven experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams
  • Strong understanding of Product engineering, Electronics design, Mechanical systems, Embedded/software engineering environments, Experience leading NPD projects from concept to launch
  • Strong communication and coordination skills across technical functions
  • Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on technically

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
You are:
  • A passionate engineering leader who loves building products
  • Highly collaborative and able to align diverse technical teams
  • Technically credible and respected by engineers
  • Comfortable working across software, electronics, mechanics, and production
  • Organized, proactive, and execution-focused
  • Driven by innovation, performance, and continuous improvement
  • Experience in analytical instrumentation, industrial products, gas analysis, or environmental technologies is a strong plus.

WHY JOIN CAI / ENVEA?
  • Lead high-impact innovation projects in a global technology company
  • Work on products that support environmental monitoring and industrial sustainability
  • Collaborate with international engineering teams and technical experts
  • Influence the next generation of analytical instrumentation technologies
  • Join a passionate team committed to engineering excellence and innovation

Remuneration:
$130,000 to $160,000 plus benefits

Apply