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Director Of Research And Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D

Salt Lake City, UT

$100K - $125K/yr

Greenfield Milling TITLE Director of R&D Job Location Salt Lake City, UT 73099 Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Salary Range $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 Salary/year Travel ...

Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D

Denver, CO

$100K - $125K/yr

Greenfield Milling TITLE Director of R&D Job Location Denver, CO 80202 Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Salary Range $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 Salary/year Travel Percentage Up to ...

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Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Greenfield Milling TITLE Director of R&D Job Location Salt Lake City, UT 73099 Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Salary Range $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 Salary/year Travel ...

Rodale Institute

Director of Research

Kutztown, PA · On-site

Support the development of scientists, research technicians, interns, and other research and Rodale ... Work closely with the Farm Director and Farm Managers to achieve collective research goals.

Greenfield Milling

Director of R&D (Denver)

Denver, CO

$100K - $125K/yr

Greenfield Milling TITLE Director of R&D Job Location Denver, CO 80202 Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Salary Range $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 Salary/year Travel Percentage Up to ...

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Crumbl

Research & Development Chef

Provo, UT

Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development the R&D Chef will execute daily tasks meant to elevate current recipes or bring new concepts to life as well as any projects needed to ...

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Director Of Research And Development information

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$65.5K

$162.7K

$215K

How much do director of research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of research and development in the United States is $162,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $194,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of research and development, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Research and Development often encounters challenges such as balancing long-term innovation projects with short-term business needs, managing cross-functional teams with diverse expertise, and ensuring projects stay within budget and timeline constraints. Addressing these challenges involves strong project management skills, clear communication, and the ability to prioritize initiatives based on organizational goals. Building a collaborative culture and maintaining transparency with stakeholders are also key strategies for overcoming these hurdles and driving successful R&D outcomes.

What is the difference between Director Of Research And Development vs Research Scientist?

AspectDirector Of Research And DevelopmentResearch Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's or PhD), leadership experienceTypically a PhD or Master's in relevant field
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, strategic planning, managementConducts experiments, data analysis, lab work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate R&D departments across industriesCommon in research labs, academia, industry

The main difference is that the Director Of Research And Development focuses on leading research initiatives, managing teams, and strategic planning, while the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and analyzes data. The director role involves higher-level oversight and decision-making, whereas the research scientist is more hands-on with technical work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of research and development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Research and Development, you need advanced expertise in scientific research, project management, and innovation strategy, often supported by a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with R&D management software, data analysis tools, and intellectual property systems is typically required, along with certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart by enabling them to inspire teams and align projects with business goals. These abilities are crucial for driving successful product development, fostering innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.

What does a director of research and development do?

A Director of Research and Development (R&D) leads and oversees the development of new products, technologies, or processes within an organization. They manage teams of scientists, engineers, or researchers to innovate and bring ideas from concept to market. This role involves setting strategic goals, allocating budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with other departments to align research initiatives with business objectives. Their work is crucial for fostering innovation, staying competitive, and driving growth in many industries.
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Director Of Research And Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Research And Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,707 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Director of Research & Development

Walther Arms, Inc.

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and driven Director of R&D to lead the research and development efforts of our firearms product portfolio. This leadership role will be responsible for building and guiding a high-performing R&D team based in Fort Smith, AR, with full accountability for the design, testing, and launch of innovative firearm systems.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in product design and development, project management, and proven leadership abilities, with a demonstrated history of taking products from concept through to production. This position is critical to driving our strategic growth through technological innovation and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and develop the Fort Smith-based R&D team, including recruiting and developing top engineering talent and fostering a collaborative, innovative culture.
  • Oversee the design, development, and testing of new firearms and related technologies, ensuring products meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership and vision to guide the development of next-generation firearms platforms.
  • Manage multiple concurrent R&D projects using proven project management methodologies to meet schedule, cost, and performance targets.
  • Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth product launches.
  • Establish and maintain test protocols and performance validation standards for new designs.
  • Maintain awareness of industry trends, competitive products, and emerging technologies.
  • Drive a continuous improvement mindset within the R&D team, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and product excellence.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and international regulations related to firearms development and testing.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of drawing control processes.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Advanced technical degree or MBA is a plus.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in product design and development.
  • Proven track record of successfully leading design and R&D teams, with strong people management and leadership skills.
  • Ability to develop a deep understanding of firearms systems, ballistics, materials, manufacturing processes, and regulatory standards (e.g., ATF, ITAR).
  • Strong experience in project management tools and techniques; PMP certification and SolidWorks PDM experience is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to bring new products to market from concept through full-scale production.
  • Exceptional communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Experience in 3-D CAD design, focusing on SolidWorks, and other engineering analysis software.
  • Experience in ANSI-Y-14.5 drawing terms and tolerances.
  • Experience in DFM in a Lean environment.

Additional Qualifications:
  • A solid leadership style based on the development and support of those you lead.
  • A passion for metric driven results.
  • A team focused approach to design and development which leverages feedback and input across the organization.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills providing clear communication at all levels.
  • Exceptional product life cycle management skills.
  • Proven success of project management through documentation and KPIs.
  • An ability to prioritize and pivot based on internal and external customer demands.
  • Strong ethics, integrity and leadership qualities that inspire trust and confidence from all levels.
  • An established history of mentoring, motivating and developing individuals.
  • A Cultural fit built around engagement, empowerment and servant leadership.

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