R&D Project Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
R&D Project Manager roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when tied to a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field. Employers in pharmaceuticals, defense, and advanced manufacturing sponsor these positions regularly, with no annual cap on H-1B1 visa or E-3 visa pathways for eligible nationals.
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Get Access To All JobsSr. Project Manager, Customer R&D
Location:
Chicago, US, 60654
Pennsauken, US, 8110
At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!
About the role:
Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company which has embraced the vision to delight its customers, while outperforming its competitors, a business which is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values and of course loving chocolate.
Under the responsibility of the R&D Director, the Sr. Customer R&D Project Manager will be responsible for managing complex R&D projects and for the development of new products. The Sr. Customer R&D Project Manager linked to the relevant Salesperson(s) and their corresponding customers has a broad responsibility. The role will be responsible for translating customer requirements into projects and new products, resulting in growth in volumes and margins. The individual in this role will be a highly influential key technical contact and solution provider for the customer. He or she is also the go-to person when technical expertise/support is needed and will be actively involved in internal strategic projects.
We are seeking a candidate with substantial experience as a Senior Customer R&D Project Manager, displaying technical expertise in food chemistry and a proven track record in problem-solving. The ideal candidate should demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, strong leadership abilities, and the ability to deliver results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Excellent communication skills are essential to effectively engage with customers and internal stakeholders (Sales, Operations, Quality, etc.). The candidate should possess a keen attention to detail and the ability to lead projects from inception to completion, effectively influencing key stakeholders. Extensive experience in the chocolate or cocoa industry is highly advantageous for handling larger and more complex projects or customers. The Senior Customer R&D Project Manager serves as the primary technical contact for the customer, representing the face of Barry Callebaut. This role involves leading projects internally from start to finish while influencing key stakeholders throughout the process.
Key responsibilities include:
- Project Management: Lead and manage complex new product development projects from theoretical recipe to lab prototype and industrial product for internal and external clients. Ensure full project follow-up and completion of necessary project documents, including recipe creation. Drive complete project from concept to commercialization.
- Project Leadership: Provide guidance and direction to the R&D product experts and technologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities. Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people.
- Technical Expertise: Offer necessary technical support and expertise to vendors, customers, operations and quality when product-related problems occur. Advise the sales team on technical and application matters. Provide assistance to all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing.
- Customer Engagement: Actively participate in customer visits and plant trials, providing technical expertise and support to drive successful customer projects.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively participate in various projects of the Research and Development team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and cocoa R&D within the country or region.
- Customer Relations: Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, building strong relationships and effectively communicating project updates, technical recommendations, and solutions.
- Market Development: Identify and pursue new market opportunities by providing technical support and insights to existing and potential customers.
- Project Documentation: Oversee, ensure and complete accurate and comprehensive project follow-up, documentation, including recipe creation.
About you:
- Education: Master's Degree in Food Technology Sciences, Food Engineering, or Food Science. Or equal due to experience.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in the local country language and proficient in English.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the food industry, with a strong focus on new product development. Extensive knowledge of the confectionery sector is highly desirable.
- Leadership Abilities: Proven experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams. Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop team members.
- Personal Attributes: Solution driven, capable of working under pressure, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership of influence.
- Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights and commercial opportunities.
- Flexibility: Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed. Travel requirements: up to 30% of time.
- Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills, including external customer communication. Ability to present technical information in a clear and concise manner.
- Software Knowledge: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google suites and Salesforce required. Knowledge of SAP or other project management software is an asset.
What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:
- Salary Range of $110,000 - $138,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package.
- MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays.
- Hybrid work environment.
- An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
- Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth.
- Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.
At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.
If you want to learn more about Barry Callebaut, please find further information here.
Were you missing anything in this job ad? Please share your feedback with us by clicking here.
Sr. Project Manager, Customer R&D
Location:
Chicago, US, 60654
Pennsauken, US, 8110
At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!
About the role:
Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company which has embraced the vision to delight its customers, while outperforming its competitors, a business which is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values and of course loving chocolate.
Under the responsibility of the R&D Director, the Sr. Customer R&D Project Manager will be responsible for managing complex R&D projects and for the development of new products. The Sr. Customer R&D Project Manager linked to the relevant Salesperson(s) and their corresponding customers has a broad responsibility. The role will be responsible for translating customer requirements into projects and new products, resulting in growth in volumes and margins. The individual in this role will be a highly influential key technical contact and solution provider for the customer. He or she is also the go-to person when technical expertise/support is needed and will be actively involved in internal strategic projects.
We are seeking a candidate with substantial experience as a Senior Customer R&D Project Manager, displaying technical expertise in food chemistry and a proven track record in problem-solving. The ideal candidate should demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, strong leadership abilities, and the ability to deliver results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Excellent communication skills are essential to effectively engage with customers and internal stakeholders (Sales, Operations, Quality, etc.). The candidate should possess a keen attention to detail and the ability to lead projects from inception to completion, effectively influencing key stakeholders. Extensive experience in the chocolate or cocoa industry is highly advantageous for handling larger and more complex projects or customers. The Senior Customer R&D Project Manager serves as the primary technical contact for the customer, representing the face of Barry Callebaut. This role involves leading projects internally from start to finish while influencing key stakeholders throughout the process.
Key responsibilities include:
- Project Management: Lead and manage complex new product development projects from theoretical recipe to lab prototype and industrial product for internal and external clients. Ensure full project follow-up and completion of necessary project documents, including recipe creation. Drive complete project from concept to commercialization.
- Project Leadership: Provide guidance and direction to the R&D product experts and technologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Translate technical learnings and insights into commercial opportunities. Lead also customer projects for PDI or innovations with our Product Experts and Innovation people.
- Technical Expertise: Offer necessary technical support and expertise to vendors, customers, operations and quality when product-related problems occur. Advise the sales team on technical and application matters. Provide assistance to all departments as needed regarding technical issues related to confectionery product manufacturing.
- Customer Engagement: Actively participate in customer visits and plant trials, providing technical expertise and support to drive successful customer projects.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively participate in various projects of the Research and Development team, maintaining close interaction with Sales, Operations, Quality, Sourcing and cocoa R&D within the country or region.
- Customer Relations: Serve as the key technical contact for the customer, building strong relationships and effectively communicating project updates, technical recommendations, and solutions.
- Market Development: Identify and pursue new market opportunities by providing technical support and insights to existing and potential customers.
- Project Documentation: Oversee, ensure and complete accurate and comprehensive project follow-up, documentation, including recipe creation.
About you:
- Education: Master's Degree in Food Technology Sciences, Food Engineering, or Food Science. Or equal due to experience.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in the local country language and proficient in English.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the food industry, with a strong focus on new product development. Extensive knowledge of the confectionery sector is highly desirable.
- Leadership Abilities: Proven experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams. Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop team members.
- Personal Attributes: Solution driven, capable of working under pressure, and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership of influence.
- Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights and commercial opportunities.
- Flexibility: Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed. Travel requirements: up to 30% of time.
- Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills, including external customer communication. Ability to present technical information in a clear and concise manner.
- Software Knowledge: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Google suites and Salesforce required. Knowledge of SAP or other project management software is an asset.
What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:
- Salary Range of $110,000 - $138,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package.
- MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays.
- Hybrid work environment.
- An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
- Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth.
- Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.
At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.
If you want to learn more about Barry Callebaut, please find further information here.
Were you missing anything in this job ad? Please share your feedback with us by clicking here.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a R&D Project Manager
Frame your credentials around technical specialty
R&D PM roles require a degree directly tied to the research domain, not just general management. Use O*NET to confirm how your field maps to the specialty occupation definition before applying, so your resume reflects the technical match.
Target industries with active LCA filing histories
Pharmaceutical, biotech, defense, and semiconductor firms file LCAs for R&D Project Managers far more consistently than generalist employers. Prioritize companies whose R&D headcount and pipeline suggest ongoing project cycles, not one-off contract work.
Search verified sponsors on Migrate Mate
R&D roles are hard to screen for sponsorship intent from job postings alone. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for technical project management roles, so you can focus your applications where sponsorship is already established.
Get the prevailing wage tier confirmed early
R&D Project Managers span DOL wage levels depending on oversight scope and degree of independent judgment. Use OFLC Wage Search to identify your likely wage level before negotiations, since the LCA locks in the employer's minimum wage obligation.
Clarify PERM implications for EB-2 sponsorship
R&D PM positions often meet EB-2 advanced degree criteria, but PERM labor certification requires the employer to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available. Raise green card sponsorship intent during the offer stage, before the role is publicly posted.
Distinguish your PM role from non-specialty management
USCIS scrutinizes project management petitions where the position could be filled without a specific technical degree. Document how your R&D PM duties require field-specific expertise, not general coordination skills, using the job description and your degree transcripts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an R&D Project Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but the classification isn't automatic. USCIS requires that the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field directly related to the work. An R&D PM tied to pharmaceutical development or semiconductor engineering typically qualifies; a generalist project coordinator role managing cross-functional timelines without a technical degree requirement often doesn't.
What degree background do employers typically require for sponsored R&D PM roles?
Most sponsoring employers require a bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, computer science, or a closely related field. An MBA alone is usually insufficient for specialty occupation classification. If your degree is in a different discipline, relevant graduate credentials or a master's in a technical field can strengthen the petition, but the degree must map directly to the R&D domain.
Which visa types are most commonly used to sponsor R&D Project Managers?
H-1B is the primary path for most nationalities and covers R&D PM roles that meet the specialty occupation standard. Australian nationals can use the E-3 visa, which has no lottery. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under TN visa if the role fits a listed USMCA profession. Longer-term, employers in this field frequently sponsor EB-2 green cards given the advanced degree alignment.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor R&D Project Manager positions?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified sponsorship history for technical project management roles, so you can identify companies that have already filed LCAs in this space rather than relying on job postings that rarely disclose sponsorship intent upfront.
Can an R&D Project Manager role support a green card through the EB-2 category?
Yes, if the role requires an advanced degree or its equivalent and the employer is willing to sponsor. Most R&D PM positions in pharma, biotech, and defense meet the EB-2 advanced degree threshold. The employer must complete PERM labor certification first, which involves a formal recruitment process to demonstrate no qualified U.S. worker is available for the role.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored R&D Project Manager jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.