Aptly
Careers · Management

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Biofuels and biodiesel technology managers oversee research and development programs that test alternative fuel sources and production methods for commercial viability. They work in laboratories, pilot plants, and corporate research facilities, evaluating new feedstocks and refining processes to bring sustainable fuel technologies to market.

$171,270median pay, U.S., per year
$139,360–$212,500middle half earn
220Kemployed in the U.S.
Bachelor’s degreetypical education · 88% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves reviewing experimental data from feedstock trials, meeting with engineering teams to assess process efficiency, and preparing reports on technical findings for stakeholders. Managers may spend time at pilot facilities monitoring production runs, troubleshooting technical issues, or presenting cost-benefit analyses of different technology approaches to company leadership.

Who this work suits

Investigative
81Enterprising
62Realistic
53Conventional
42Artistic
18Social
18

Holland code IER. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely enjoy investigating technical problems and figuring out what works at scale. You're comfortable balancing scientific rigor with business goals, and you're motivated by moving promising research ideas from the lab toward real-world products that companies can actually produce.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisActive Listening

Knowledge areas

English LanguageChemistryEngineering and TechnologyMathematics (knowledge)Production and ProcessingComputers and Electronics

Who is hiring

18open roles like this on employer career sites
12employers hiring
9posted in the last 7 days
CA · CO · Remotewhere most openings are

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
New Mexico$208,290$215,120$259,6802,270
California$169,140$210,280$251,89029,630
Massachusetts$166,430$201,430$226,6807,690
Washington$166,270$189,680$217,0706,060
District of Columbia$161,470$185,220$195,1901,290
Colorado$165,420$183,810$225,1004,900
Delaware$161,890$181,190$197,590560
New Jersey$154,970$180,640$221,9604,540
Oregon$154,700$177,190$209,820—
Virginia$147,770$176,160$213,1804,390
Rhode Island$137,540$175,910$213,520370
New York$149,070$175,710$215,1408,250
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 11-9041.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.