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Lead R&D Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SFS Group USA, Inc.

Senior Engineer- R & D

Reading, PA

$100K - $137K/yr

Senior Engineer SFS is seeking a Senior Engineer for our R & D/Innovation team in our Wyomissing ... Responsibilities * Lead complex product and process development projects using Stage-Gate ...

Owens Corning

Engineer R & D

Granville, OH · On-site

Lead raw material dual sourcing/supply security qualifications using already established ... Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Science field or Associates Degree with 5+ years of relevant ...

Owens Corning

Engineer R & D

Granville, OH · On-site

Lead raw material dual sourcing/supply security qualifications using already established ... Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Science field or Associates Degree with 5+ years of relevant ...

Microporous Products

R AND D ENGINEER

Danville, VA · On-site

Build strong working relationships across R&D, Operations, Engineering, and Quality departments. * Promote effective communication and teamwork during laboratory testing and production trials.

Corteva

R&D Engineer

Johnston, IA

Platform Staffing Group (an STA Group Company) is looking for an R& D Engineer to assist our client in Smart stick V5: Software enhancement, bug fixes, design and implement the groundwork for V6. All ...

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC ... Build the relationships and reps you'll need to lead * Explore how to use AI and automation to do ...

Tarter Gate Company, LLC

R&D- Team Lead

Dunnville, KY · On-site

$29 - $34/hr

Whether you're on the shop floor, in engineering, customer service, or leadership, you'll find a ... The R&D Team Lead plays a critical role in supervising projects within the Research and Development ...

R D Olson Construction

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC ... Build the relationships and reps you'll need to lead * Explore how to use AI and automation to do ...

Midmark

R+D Quality Engineer III

Versailles, OH · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

JOB SUMMARY: The R + D Quality Engineer III leads and enforces product development quality ... Ability to lead the design of complex systems and identify new technological opportunities ...

Midmark Corporation

R+D Quality Engineer III

Versailles, OH · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

JOB SUMMARY: The R + D Quality Engineer III leads and enforces product development quality ... Ability to lead the design of complex systems and identify new technological opportunities ...

Owens Corning

Sr Engineer R & D

Granville, OH · On-site

The Product Research and Development Engineer drives advancements that will lead to the improvement of existing products as well as the development of the next generation of products. This position ...

Sherwin-Williams

R&D- Associate Engineer

Brecksville, OH · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

... May lead Continuous Improvement initiatives of moderate complexity or a portion of technically ... Provides engineering support throughout the product development process, including DOE design ...

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All JobsLead R&D Engineer Jobs

Lead R D Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead r&d engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead r&d engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead R&D Engineer do?

A Lead R&D Engineer is responsible for overseeing research and development projects, leading teams of engineers and scientists to innovate and improve products or technologies. They coordinate project activities, set technical direction, and ensure that new solutions align with company goals. Their role often involves managing budgets, timelines, and collaborating with other departments to bring ideas from concept to implementation. Lead R&D Engineers also stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain the organization’s competitive edge.

How does a Lead R&D Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

A Lead R&D Engineer plays a central role in coordinating with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing throughout the product development cycle. They facilitate regular meetings to align project goals, share technical insights, and resolve challenges quickly. By acting as a technical liaison, they ensure that engineering solutions meet both performance requirements and market needs, while also managing timelines and resource allocation. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and streamlines the transition from concept to production.

What is the difference between Lead R&D Engineer vs R&D Engineer?

AspectLead R&D EngineerR&D Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees research projects, leads teams, develops strategiesConducts research, designs experiments, supports project tasks
Required SkillsAdvanced technical expertise, leadership, project managementStrong technical skills, research experience, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, cross-department collaborationIndividual research, experimental work
Common CertificationsRelevant engineering or research certifications, leadership trainingEngineering degrees, research certifications

The main difference between a Lead R&D Engineer and an R&D Engineer lies in leadership and project scope. Lead R&D Engineers typically oversee research teams and strategic planning, while R&D Engineers focus on executing research tasks. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds, but the Lead position emphasizes leadership and coordination skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead R&D Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead R&D Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, project management systems, and possibly certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often valuable. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills to guide teams and foster innovation. These competencies ensure successful project delivery, drive technological advancement, and support cross-functional collaboration within an organization.
More about Lead R D Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Lead R&D Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead R&D Engineer jobs are:
Lead R D Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead R&D Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Senior Engineer- R & D

Senior Engineer- R & D

SFS Group USA, Inc.

Reading, PA

$100K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Senior Engineer


SFS is seeking a Senior Engineer for our R & D/Innovation team in our Wyomissing, PA location. This position is ideal for an ambitious individual who will drive the development and industrialization of advanced fastening and cold-forming solutions, combining deep materials expertise with strong project leadership to deliver high-impact innovations for the construction industry.


For 55 years SFS has been America’s partner of choice, supplying over 26 billion fasteners to commercial construction projects. This role offers a competitive starting salary and a generous benefit package including profit sharing, company 401(k) contribution, health/dental/vision insurance offerings, a tuition reimbursement program and other valuable benefits! 


Responsibilities

  • Lead complex product and process development projects using Stage-Gate methodology 
  • Define and optimize materials, geometries, and forming processes 
  • Drive technical problem-solving for challenging applications and customer requirements 
  • Own and steer prototyping, validation strategies, and performance testing 
  • Collaborate with key customers, internal stakeholders and professional associations on technical solutions 
  • Ensure Engineering Changes (ECNs) process stability and industrialization readiness 
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and associates 
  • Act as a role model for engineering excellence and accountability 
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of tools, processes, quality tests’ programs and standards
  • Other duties as assigned 



    • The Ideal Candidate

  • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field
  • PhD is a plus, particularly in materials, metallurgy, or forming processes
  • 7+ years of experience in product development and engineering within industrial or construction environments
  • Engineering tools (CAD, SAP, Katia, 3D printing, Confluence, Jira, Microsoft Office package, Copilot, etc.)
  • Record in leading complex technical projects from concept to industrialization
  • Deep expertise in steel, materials behavior, and cold forming technologies

    •  

    Why this role at SFS

  • Lead impactful innovation — work on large-scale projects shaping next-generation fastening and construction solutions 
  • Own and influence — high technical ownership, direct exposure to customers, and involvement in strategic programs 
  • Grow globally — operate in an international environment with cross-industry exposure (Construction, Automotive, Medical, Aerospace) and career mobility opportunities


    • Location: 1045 Spring Street Wyomissing, PA 19610

    Standard Hours: 8am-5pm (flexible)

     

    Our employees are the driving force behind our successful and dynamically growing company. Join the SFS team and shape the future with us!
     

    SFS Group USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer


     


     


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