Research and Development Manager Jobs
Research and Development Manager jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods, at levels from team lead to senior director, with specializations in product innovation, process engineering, and scientific research. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 250+ Research and Development Manager jobs
The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to high contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets and substellar companions.
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brittany Miles along with staff and engineers from the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the lab and Steward Observatory to support an collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on:
- Integration and commissioning of the first ever, coronagraphic, adaptive optics assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU.
- Development of thermal IR instrumentation and science for the Large Binocular Telescope and 30-meter class telescopes.
Throughout your postdoctoral journey with us, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, as time permits, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research in exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.
UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in space science and astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. We provide direct access to various world-class observational and computational facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing.
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. The Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.Outstanding UA benefits includehealth, dental, vision,and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
- Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on thermal IR instrumentation and the characterization of planetary atmospheres; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
- Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs, etc.) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
- Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a collegial academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
- Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time of hire.
- Candidates with a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics are preferred.
- Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas:
- Experience with operating and testing astronomical instruments.
- Experience with infrared observations and data reduction.
Assistant Professor, Astronomy
bemiles@arizona.edu
Documents Required to apply:
- CV (limit: 2 pages), and list three potential reference writers
- Cover letter
- Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
- List of Publications
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to high contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets and substellar companions.
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brittany Miles along with staff and engineers from the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the lab and Steward Observatory to support an collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on:
- Integration and commissioning of the first ever, coronagraphic, adaptive optics assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU.
- Development of thermal IR instrumentation and science for the Large Binocular Telescope and 30-meter class telescopes.
Throughout your postdoctoral journey with us, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, as time permits, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research in exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.
UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in space science and astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. We provide direct access to various world-class observational and computational facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing.
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. The Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.Outstanding UA benefits includehealth, dental, vision,and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
- Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on thermal IR instrumentation and the characterization of planetary atmospheres; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
- Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs, etc.) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
- Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a collegial academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
- Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time of hire.
- Candidates with a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics are preferred.
- Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas:
- Experience with operating and testing astronomical instruments.
- Experience with infrared observations and data reduction.
Assistant Professor, Astronomy
bemiles@arizona.edu
Documents Required to apply:
- CV (limit: 2 pages), and list three potential reference writers
- Cover letter
- Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
- List of Publications
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
See All 250+ Research and Development Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsResearch and Development Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Penn State University24
- General Motors (GM)18
- Maverick Power17
- Cook7
- Zymo Research4
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Retail
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research and development manager jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of experience managing R&D teams or technical programs
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional product development from concept to launch
- Proficiency with stage-gate or agile product development frameworks
- Experience managing R&D budgets, resource allocation, and project timelines
- Familiarity with IP management, patent processes, or regulatory submission requirements
Tips for Your Research and Development Manager Job Search
Quantify your R&D pipeline contributions
Hiring managers want to see outcomes, not activities. Replace phrases like 'led research projects' with specific results: products brought to prototype, cycle times reduced, or patents filed under your leadership. Numbers make your resume stand out in a competitive field.
Align your resume to the stage
Early-stage startups want someone who can run experiments hands-on, while large manufacturers want program oversight and cross-functional coordination. Read the job description carefully and mirror its language around execution versus leadership to match where the company is.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists research and development manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by functional specialization
Research and development manager roles split sharply between discovery-phase science and development-phase engineering. When searching, filter by industry and look for keywords like 'new product development,' 'applied research,' or 'process development' to find openings that match your actual background.
Prepare a portfolio of innovation outcomes
Many interviews will ask you to walk through a project from ideation to launch. Build a concise case study for two or three projects that shows your decision-making, how you managed technical risk, and what shipped. This matters more than credentials in technical interviews.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
In R&D roles, budget authority, headcount, and access to external partners are as important as salary. When an offer comes, ask directly about annual R&D budget, team size trajectory, and whether you'll have vendor or academic collaboration authority before accepting.
Research and Development Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most research and development managers?
The companies hiring the most research and development managers right now include Penn State University, General Motors (GM), and Maverick Power, with the largest share of openings in California, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially strong in pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing, and technology hardware.
How many research and development manager jobs are remote?
About 53% of research and development manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by industry. Software and digital product R&D roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while roles tied to lab work, prototyping, or manufacturing require consistent on-site presence.
How do you become a research and development manager?
Most research and development managers start as individual contributors in engineering, science, or product development, then move into project or team lead roles. Building a record of successful project delivery, learning to manage budgets and stakeholders, and developing cross-functional communication skills are the practical steps that lead to a manager-level hire.
Can you get a research and development manager job with little experience?
Getting a research and development manager role with limited management experience is possible if you have deep technical expertise and can demonstrate project ownership. Titles like associate R&D manager or R&D program lead are common entry points. Highlighting instances where you led a project end-to-end, mentored junior staff, or coordinated across teams strengthens a less traditional candidacy.
What does the research and development manager interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a recruiter or HR screen, followed by a technical panel where you walk through past projects in depth. A hiring manager interview focuses on team leadership, budget decisions, and strategic priorities. Final rounds often include a presentation or case study on a product challenge and meetings with cross-functional stakeholders such as manufacturing, marketing, or regulatory teams.
Where can I find and apply to research and development manager jobs?
You can find and apply to research and development manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from companies across the United States. Search for roles that match your industry and seniority level, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and goals.
See All 250+ Research and Development Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs