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Research Development Manager Jobs in Waseca, MN (NOW HIRING)

Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, R&D, Procurement, external engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and construction contractors, the Senior Engineering Project Manager ...

Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, R&D, Procurement, external engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and construction contractors, the Senior Engineering Project Manager ...

Product Manager, Finishes

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$95 - $115/hr

The Product Manager drives the development and commercialization of new finishes, responds to ... It combines product management, market research, customer engagement, color science, manufacturing ...

The Product Manager drives the development and commercialization of new finishes, responds to ... It combines product management, market research, customer engagement, color science, manufacturing ...

The Product Manager drives the development and commercialization of new finishes, responds to ... It combines product management, market research, customer engagement, color science, manufacturing ...

The Product Manager drives the development and commercialization of new finishes, responds to ... It combines product management, market research, customer engagement, color science, manufacturing ...

The Product Manager drives the development and commercialization of new finishes, responds to ... It combines product management, market research, customer engagement, color science, manufacturing ...

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Research Development Manager information

See Waseca, MN salary details

$48K

$100.7K

$163.3K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Waseca, MN is $100,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $115,300.00 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 cities near Waseca, MN are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Waseca, MN with the most Research Development Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Waseca, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,733 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Engineering Project Manager

Applied Engineering

Faribault, MN

$59.09 - $72.22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead complex engineering projects within a Research, Development and Engineering (RDE) environment, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and within budget

  • Manage full project lifecycles including planning, execution, tracking, close‑out, and lessons learned

  • Build and maintain detailed project schedules, charters, financial summaries, RAID logs, and stakeholder communication plans


Job description

Engineering Project Manager | Burnsville, MN

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team in Burnsville, MN as an Engineering Project Manager. You will be part of a group of engineers dedicated to high-quality work, value-add solutions, skill development, and career growth. We  welcome candidates from the Twin Cities metro and beyond to apply.  

Employees working in Burnsville, MN have a short commute from Savage, Apple Valley, Bloomington, Eagan, Lakeville, and Prior Lake and will enjoy professional growth and community engagement through our regional presence in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

As an Engineering Project Manager, you will:

  • Lead complex electromechanical engineering projects within a Research, Development and Engineering (RDE) environment, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and within budget
  • Manage full project lifecycles including planning, execution, tracking, close‑out, and lessons learned
  • Build and maintain detailed project schedules, charters, financial summaries, RAID logs, and stakeholder communication plans
  • Drive consistent project execution, governance, and reporting practices across RDE
  • Lead onboarding, coaching, and mentoring of project team members in risk management, resource planning, scope control, scheduling, and stakeholder communication
  • Coordinate project requirements, design reviews, verification and validation activities, engineering change control, and market launch readiness
  • Identify project risks and implement mitigation plans balancing technical, financial, and business impacts
  • Report project progress, risks, and performance to leadership on established cadences
  • Navigate difficult conversations, align cross‑functional priorities, and calm stakeholders during high‑pressure situations
  • Contribute to project governance standards, tools, templates, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Support portfolio reviews, resource balancing, and scenario analysis
  • Collaborate cross‑functionally to remove barriers, align priorities, and improve execution effectiveness
  • Lead projects through ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving business needs in a still‑developing PMO environment

This role is ideal for a seasoned Engineering Project Manager who brings technical literacy and strong project leadership experience, capable of owning complex, high‑visibility projects with significant customer and business impact.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science degree or higher in engineering or a business‑related field
  • PMP (Issued by PMI) or a Master's Degree in Project Management
  • 7+ years leading engineering projects in mechanical, electrical, R&D, technology, or product development environments
  • Proven experience building project schedules, charters, financial summaries, RAID logs, and stakeholder communication plans
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects in environments with immature or evolving PMO processes
  • Strong business acumen with experience navigating difficult conversations, aligning priorities, and influencing without authority
  • Proficiency with project scheduling and reporting tools including Microsoft Project, Planner, and related platforms
  • Demonstrated success in business process improvement and structured project governance
  • Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to calm stakeholders during high‑pressure situations
  • Experience with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams, SharePoint), AI tools (Copilot/ChatGPT), and mind‑mapping tools (e.g., Mindomo)
  • Experience driving technology or products to commercialization strongly preferred
  • Ability to lead mechanical and electrical engineers while working in Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid environments
  • Experience managing external vendors, suppliers, or development partners preferred
  • Ability to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally
  • Capable of working independently and as a team member
  • Strong work ethic and unwavering integrity
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a learning mindset
  • Curiosity, problem solving, and analytical thinking
  • Effective verbal and written communication
  • Desire to work on a variety of projects
ESTIMATED PAY RANGE

Project Manager: $48.95 – $59.82/hour

Program Manager: $59.09 – $72.22/hour

Final compensation is based on experience, skills, and alignment with role expectations. Paid overtime may be available.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Applied Engineering is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting company dedicated to providing exceptional talent and service to manufacturers across the Midwest and beyond. We have won numerous awards, including Best Place to Work and Top Place to Intern.

Innovation, problem solving, integrity, and collaboration are a few things you'll experience and represent while working with Applied. If you appreciate a challenge, variety, and a quicker pace, then we would like to get to know you better.

Our unique company culture blends talent, technology, and flexibility. We offer a career trajectory few others can match, with opportunities to take on roles and assignments aligned with your skills and interests.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including:

  • Competitive salary
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Continuing Education Support
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance options
  • Paid overtime
  • Flexible work schedule
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please consider joining Applied's team of talented employees in Burnsville, Savage, Apple Valley, Bloomington, Eagan, Lakeville, and Prior Lake, Brooklyn Park, and the greater Twin Cities metro area. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We regret that we do not offer sponsorship.

Applied Engineering is committed to a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ID 20261036

Award Winning – Employee Owned – Comprehensive Benefits

Relocation Assistance – Ownership Opportunity – Continuing Education Support