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Research Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vishay

Senior Director R&D

San Jose, CA

Defining, implementing and/or maintaining R&D strategy, guidelines, systems and services for VISHAY Aligning and ensuring implementation of R&D budgets, monitors R&D programs, and allocates resources.

Vishay

R&D Engineer MOSFET

San Jose, CA

Defining, implementing and/or maintaining R&D strategy, guidelines, systems and services for VISHAY Aligning and ensuring implementation of R&D budgets, monitors R&D programs, and allocates resources.

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All JobsResearch Development JobsResearch Development Jobs in California

Research Development information

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$47.9K

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$162.8K

How much do research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In research development, senior roles such as research directors, principal investigators, or chief scientific officers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or technology. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, often involving managing teams and securing funding or grants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Development position, and why are they important?

To excel in Research Development, a strong background in scientific research, project management, and grant writing is typically required, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems such as IRB protocols is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills help professionals effectively manage complex projects and secure funding. These abilities are essential to drive innovation, streamline research processes, and support institutional or organizational growth.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Research development roles typically require specialized knowledge and often a degree, but some high-paying jobs without a degree include sales, real estate, and certain tech roles like web development or digital marketing, which rely on skills and experience. Freelance consulting and entrepreneurship can also generate significant income without formal education, though they often require strong skills, networking, and self-motivation.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Research Development professional in an academic or corporate setting?

Research Development professionals are primarily responsible for identifying funding opportunities, assisting with proposal preparation, and supporting strategic research initiatives. They often work closely with researchers, faculty, or scientists to develop competitive grant applications, ensure compliance with guidelines, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. The role may also involve coordinating workshops or trainings, managing research portfolios, and tracking emerging trends in funding. Working in teams and liaising with administrative departments is common, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment that supports both individual and institutional research goals.

What is a Research Development job?

A Research Development job focuses on identifying funding opportunities, developing research proposals, and fostering collaborations to support research initiatives. Professionals in this role assist researchers in securing grants, managing research projects, and aligning proposals with funding agency priorities. They often work in universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D departments to facilitate innovation and strategic growth. Strong communication, project management, and analytical skills are essential for success in this field.

What is a research and development job?

A research and development (R&D) job involves creating new products, processes, or technologies through scientific investigation and experimentation. R&D professionals often work in labs or innovation teams, utilizing skills in analysis, problem-solving, and technical tools to advance their organization's offerings.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In research development roles, senior scientists, research directors, and chief scientific officers can earn $400,000 or more annually, especially in biotech, pharmaceutical, or technology industries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, often involving managing large projects or teams.
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 are popular job titles related to Research Development jobs in California? For Research Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Development job openings:
Research Development jobs near you
Senior Scientist, Research & Development (Meat)

Senior Scientist, Research & Development (Meat)

Kinder's

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$109K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

BUILT ON FLAVOR. FUELED BY PEOPLE.
What's it like to work at Kinder's? Well, there's a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. Beyond that, there's also plenty of hard work. Because we don't just like flavor, we're obsessed with it.
With over 100 products sold nationwide, we're now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. We're not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led, we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.
As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue, we need more smart-and-scrappy, flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If you're looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work... this is it! Every day, you'll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives.
About the Role:
The Sr. Scientist, Research & Development (Meat) will report to the Vice President of Research & Development and will be a key technical leader within the organization. This individual will be instrumental in driving key long-term R&D projects while also supporting our mission to deliver best-in-class speed to market and quality of new innovations. In this role, you will work on complex technical challenges, collaborate with internal and external partners, and apply your deep knowledge of meat products, processing, and safety to guide research & development and to create best-in-class products that delight our consumers and set new standards of what is possible in the categories that we choose to enter.
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" data-turn-id="bdf5638c-a114-455f-aa9e-405d00ca3c44" data-testid="conversation-turn-1" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user">Key Responsibilities Include:
Technical Innovation & Research:
  • Lead the evaluation and qualification of new ingredients, including novel and functional ingredients, to focus on driving clean-label standards for value-added meat products without compromising performance.
  • Identify and translate emerging meat science and technology trends into actionable, long-term innovation platforms.
  • Establish / manage strategic development meat projects with third-party research partners, including ingredient suppliers, independent R&D organizations, and academic institutions, to accelerate innovation.
  • Be a subject matter meat science expert, providing insights / guidance to cross-functional teams on formulation, processing, and ingredient functionality.
Product Development and Commercialization:
  • Advise on complex new product development projects from concept through commercialization, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of meat science, formulation, and manufacturing processes and ensuring products meet quality, sensory, and shelf-life standards.
  • Collaborate closely with Commercialization, Innovation, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure the seamless launch of new products.
Product Optimization and Quality Enhancement:
  • Support long-term product optimization projects focused on enhancing quality, scalability, clean-label standards, and flavor.
  • Lead technical initiatives to improve product performance, including shelf-stability and freshness, across our diverse portfolio.
  • Apply scientific principles to troubleshoot and resolve complex product, sourcing, or production challenges.
  • Partner with the Sourcing and Operations teams to identify and approve alternative ingredients and process improvements that enhance efficiency without compromising quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Coordination:
  • Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Innovation, Commercialization, Operations, and Quality) to drive project alignment.
  • Provide clear communication on risks / opportunities to senior leadership.
  • Act as a champion for the R&D process, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What You Bring To The Table:
Skills and Experience
  • 8-10 years of hands-on R&D and / or product development experience in the CPG food and / or ingredients industry.
  • Deep knowledge of meat microbiology, animal physiology, and meat processing.
  • Strong knowledge of USDA/FSIS, HACCP, and other food safety systems.
  • Proven experience managing complex technical projects using a robust project / product lifecycle process.
  • Demonstrated experience in working across the product development lifecycle, from benchtop formulation to full-scale commercialization.
  • Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Master's Degree in Meat Science, Animal Science, or Food Science

Personal Characteristics:
  • Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach).
  • Passionate people-lover excited by the opportunity to build strong relationships with teammates and consumers.
  • Low ego with a strong sense of humility.
  • Thrive in a dynamic, lean, and agile environment.
  • Collaborative mindset with an ability to find creative solutions.
  • Self-starter who takes initiative and is willing to speak their mind.
  • Excited to be part of a fast-moving team with the ability to be a leader and a follower where required.
  • Enjoy making decisions and finding ways to say 'yes' as often as possible to impactful and important priorities.
Location and Travel:
The position will be based onsite in Walnut Creek, CA. We strongly believe in the power of culture and community and have a hybrid work structure with 4 days in the office on a weekly basis to encourage collaboration and personal connections that will allow us to better serve our customers and consumer and to have more fun. Fridays are flex days with employees having the opportunity to choose to be either in the office or to work from home based on what makes most sense for them.
Pay Transparency:
The expected starting salary range for this role is $160,000- $190,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.
SEASONED FOR SUCCESS:
  • No two days here are the same.
  • We try to be good team members and good communicators, but we don't live by hierarchy and structure - everyone is a difference maker here.
  • We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information - our team embraces ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow.
  • We believe our job is to take smart risk, not to eliminate risk.
  • We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise, but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart.
  • We aren't trying to be average - we want to do exceptional things, and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.
BENEFITS THAT BRING MORE TO THE TABLE:
We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave. Kinder's benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.
OUR RECIPE FOR BALANCE:
We believe great culture starts with people. We're a people-first company built on connection, collaboration, and balance. Most of our work happens in the office to spark creativity and community, but we also offer flexibility so team members have the autonomy to work outside the office when needed to support their work-life balance and personal commitments.
WHERE EVERY INGREDIENT MATTERS:
Kinder's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need any accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements, please reach out to us at careers@kinders.com

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