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Director Research Development Jobs in Seattle, WA

Trident Seafoods

R&D TECHNICIAN

Seattle, WA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Conducts basic product measurements and testing as directed by the R&D Supervisor. * Compiles, records, and inputs testing results and observations into company databases and project files. * Sample ...

Uw

Research Scientist/Engineer Senior

Seattle, WA

$168K/yr

About this Opportunity Reporting to the Vice Chair of Research, the Scientific Director serves as a ... Support the development of competitive grant proposals and contribute to the preparation ...

Fuse innovation

Development Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95 - $110/hr

Conduct and oversee prospect research to identify new major donor prospects * Coordinate regular ... The Development Director will report to the Executive Director. Fuse Washington is an equal ...

Fuseinnovation

Development Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95 - $110/hr

Conduct and oversee prospect research to identify new major donor prospects * Coordinate regular ... The Development Director will report to the Executive Director. Fuse Washington is an equal ...

GDIT

Sr. Clinical Research Director (TBI)

Tacoma, WA · On-site

Supervises contract staff training, promotes development with immediate and direct feedback, and completes performance evaluations for contract clinical, research, and education staff working under ...

The ALS Association

Director, Development

Seattle, WA · Remote

$115K - $123K/yr

The ALS Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their ... The Director will build philanthropic partnerships with individuals and foundations to secure ...

The ALS Association

Director, Development

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$115K - $123K/yr

The ALS Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their ... The Director will build philanthropic partnerships with individuals and foundations to secure ...

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All JobsResearch Development JobsDirector Research Development JobsDirector Research Development Jobs in Seattle, WA

Director Research Development information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$74.5K

$185.2K

$244.7K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Seattle, WA is $185,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,600.00 and $220,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director research development?

To thrive as a Director of Research Development, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, project management, and grant writing, usually backed by a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is essential, along with certifications like CRA (Certified Research Administrator) being advantageous. Strategic thinking, leadership, and excellent communication skills are critical for building collaborations and guiding multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for securing funding, ensuring research integrity, and driving innovative projects to successful completion.

How does a director research development typically collaborate with other departments to drive innovation within an organization?

A Director of Research Development often works closely with cross-functional teams such as product management, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership to align research initiatives with organizational goals. This role involves facilitating communication between departments, ensuring that research projects support strategic objectives, and integrating insights from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration helps drive innovation, as the Director ensures that research outcomes are actionable and directly contribute to product or service enhancements. Regular meetings, joint project planning sessions, and clear reporting structures are common practices to maintain alignment and foster a culture of innovation.

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

AspectDirector Research DevelopmentResearch Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD preferred), leadership experienceTypically a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team management, cross-department collaborationLaboratory or field research, data analysis, experimentation
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, corporate R&DUniversities, research labs, industry R&D
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in research developmentDetails about research-focused roles and career paths

The main difference between a Director Research Development and a Research Scientist lies in their responsibilities and focus. The Director oversees strategic planning, manages teams, and collaborates across departments, while the Research Scientist conducts experiments, analyzes data, and advances scientific knowledge. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the Director typically has more leadership experience and works in a broader strategic context.

What does a director research development do?

A Director of Research Development leads and manages the planning, coordination, and execution of research strategies within an organization. They are responsible for identifying funding opportunities, fostering collaborations, and overseeing proposal development to secure grants and support research initiatives. Additionally, they work with faculty or research teams to ensure compliance with regulations and alignment with institutional goals, while supporting innovation and the growth of research programs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Seattle, WA? For Director Research Development jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Director Research Development jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Director Research Development job openings:
Director Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Research Development job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $185,165 per year, or $89 per hour.

Sr Director, R&D Eng

General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems

Bothell, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters.
Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders.
Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs.
If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Job Summary
Directs and coordinates the engineering activities of multiple related teams in support of business unit research and development programs | Ensures that quality levels, industry and business standards are maintained or improved in the development process through transition to production | Coordinates with program managers and business leadership to allocate resources in accordance with organizational priorities | Develops departmental plans, including budget, internal research and development, capital expenditure and training proposals | Develops subordinates for career progression towards advanced technical, leadership, and customer facing roles.
Impact of the Role
General Profile
  • Provides leadership and direction through managers
  • Must have at least one manager level direct report
  • Is accountable for the performance and results of a division or region
  • Executes business plans and contributes to the development of functional strategy
  • Decisions are guided by functional or major operational segment strategy and priorities
  • Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions
  • Directs and oversees the organization's engineering research, design, and development activities with the goal of developing new or improved products, processes, or services.
  • Specifies precise new product functional requirements; designs, tests and integrates components to produce final designs; and evaluates the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability and safety.
  • Designs, develops, executes and evaluates fitness-for-use testing, product specifications and process validation plans; creates and reviews material part specifications and bills of materials.
  • Collaborates with internal manufacturing partners, contract manufacturers, designers and product specialists to optimize designs for manufacturability.
  • Utilizes CAD (Computer Aided Design) or CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) systems to model new designs and produce detailed engineering drawings.
  • Develops project plans, reviews research specifications, secures resources, monitors project progress, and provides regular reports to leadership teams.
  • Ensures that all laboratory activities comply with regulatory guidelines, and quality and/or performance standards.
  • Manages research activities and guides subordinates in the application of scientific or engineering principles to the product development process.
  • Leads and directs the work of other employees and has responsibility for personnel decisions with concurrence from HR & Senior Leadership.
  • Establishes and administers policies and procedures, departmental budgeting, strategic planning, and procedural change.
      • Required Qualifications
      • Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 10-12 years' experience OR Equivalent Combination of Relevant Education &/or Experience
      • Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

      Preferred Qualifications
      • Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree
      • Discipline/Major: Science or Engineering degree preferred
      • Knowledge, skills & abilities: Management skills. Foster teamwork. Analytical thinking. Detail oriented. Research. Project management.
      • Strong computer skills, administrative data control, scheduling and team interface
      • Strong written, digital and verbal communication skills in both an individual and team environment
      • Looks for ways to improve and promote quality
      • Masters degree in science or engineering
      • Experience in a DoD environment
      • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
      • Working knowledge of munitions: associated platforms, strategic and tactical systems, and military munitions/platform interface requirements

      Physical Requirements
      • Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
      • Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
      • Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

      Travel Requirements
      Up to 25% travel likely.
      Pay Range (USD)
      $209,500 - $283,400
      Pay Transparency Statement
      The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.
      Additional Compensation - ICP
      Hired applicant will be eligible to participate in the Company's Incentive Compensation Program.
      Benefits
      Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution. In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.
      Paid Time Off
      Employees will receive 11 paid holidays and 120 hours of PTO annually and up to 3 weeks paid family leave.
      The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.

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