Research and Development (R&D) Design Manager
30AI USED FOR30%moving to72%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£35,000 - £45,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY →
Research and Development (R&D) Design Manager
As a Research and Development (R&D) Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and shaping the future of products and technologies. Your work not only influences the success of your company but also contributes to advancements that can transform industries and improve lives globally.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for a modest share of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior R&D Design ManagerAssists in project management and supports senior managers in the development of new products.£35,000 - £45,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level R&D Design ManagerManages projects independently, leading teams and liaising with clients to ensure successful product development.£50,000 - £70,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior R&D Design ManagerLeads strategic initiatives, mentors junior staff, and drives innovation across the organisation.£80,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · DegreeAstronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · DegreeElectrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · DegreeElectronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · DegreeMechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · DegreeMechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · Degree