Occupation Description

Many manufacturing enterprises will conduct research and development (R and D) into product and process development and improvement, and some may have a dedicated team to do so. The type of work carried out by an R and D team will vary depending on the manufacturing venture. Research and development workers and researchers will generally carry out work under the supervision of an R and D manager. Research and development managers plan, administer and review the research and development program and activities of an organisation. Working for a manufacturing organisation, an R and D manager will usually head up a team of researchers and others developing new products and processes. Those working in R and D may work in almost any sector of manufacturing,

Research and development managers may…

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Research and development workers and managers usually work indoors in an office environment within their own organisations. Their work may also involve working on the factory floor or ‘on site'. Their working hours are usually ‘regular' although they may be long when working to deadlines or on special projects.

Training

To work in entry-level occupations in research and development you will usually require a qualification such as a Diploma of Engineering (Technical) or an Advanced Diploma of Engineering. A research and development manager will usually need to have completed a Degree.

Of course, with experience, and possibly further training, you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.

Diploma of Engineering (Technical)
Advanced Diploma of Engineering
Degree

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.