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$62.3K

$154.8K

$204.6K

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development director in Indiana is $154,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,500.00 and $184,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Research and Development Director, and how can you address them?

Research and Development Directors often encounter challenges balancing innovative exploration with practical business objectives, managing resource constraints, and leading teams with diverse technical backgrounds. Successfully addressing these challenges involves setting clear priorities, encouraging open communication, and staying agile in response to shifting market or regulatory demands. Effective R&D Directors also foster a creative, solution-oriented environment and collaborate closely with other departments like marketing, production, and finance to align projects with company goals. By navigating these complexities, you can contribute significantly to driving product innovation and organizational success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research And Development Director position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Research And Development Director, you typically need a solid background in science or engineering, advanced degrees (often a master's or Ph.D.), and substantial experience leading multidisciplinary teams in innovation-focused environments. Familiarity with research management tools, project management software, IP management systems, and relevant industry certifications is highly valued. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and long-term vision. These competencies are essential for steering projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What does a Research And Development Director do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Director leads innovation efforts within a company by overseeing the development of new products, technologies, or processes. They manage research teams, set strategic goals, and ensure projects align with business objectives. Additionally, they analyze market trends, collaborate with other departments, and allocate resources efficiently. Their role is crucial in maintaining a company’s competitive edge through innovation and continuous improvement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Director jobs in Indiana? For Research And Development Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Director jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Director jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Research And Development Director jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Research And Development Director job openings:
Research And Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Director job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,826 per year, or $74.4 per hour.
Global Technical Director, Wallcovering

Global Technical Director, Wallcovering

Versa Designed Surfaces

New Albany, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

SUMMARY

The Global Technical Director plays a critical role in shaping the future of wallcovering innovation at Versa Designed Surfaces. As the company’s senior technical leader, this position is responsible for advancing product innovation, sustainability initiatives, manufacturing capabilities, and technical excellence across a global portfolio of wallcovering solutions.


Working cross-functionally with Product Management, Research & Development, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, and Marketing, the Global Technical Director drives the technical strategy that transforms ideas into commercially successful products. This role provides leadership across materials science, product development, compliance, quality systems, and process advancement, ensuring Versa continues to deliver industry-leading solutions that support global growth and strengthen its position as a premium design and manufacturing partner.



Job Summary: The Global Technical Director, Wallcovering serves as the company’s senior technical authority across all sites and regions. Working in close partnership with the Research & Development/Technical Director and Product Management, this individual drives the development of innovative products and processes by determining, applying and leading the company’s worldwide technical strategy across product development, production processes, quality systems, compliance, and sustainability for all wallcovering products. Specifically, the role entails providing functional leadership to R&D, product engineering, product assurance/testing, technical services, and quality systems, while supporting production process improvements and representing the company’s technical capabilities to internal stakeholders and external customers worldwide, all in support of achieving global growth objectives and premium brand positioning.


Focus areas include the following:

  • Developing and maintaining the global technical strategy and multi-year technology roadmap by aligning product innovation, materials science, and process capability with the company’s commercial objectives.
  • Ensuring that the company’s commitment to innovation produces tangible outcomes that position the company as a recognized technical leader in the industry.
  • Functioning as the company’s technical/environmental/sustainability expert in supporting the Product Management, Sales Service, and Sales and Marketing teams in communications with customers.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Apply knowledge of materials science and production processes to develop products consistent with the global technical strategy for wallcovering products across hospitality, healthcare, contract, luxury, and residential market segments.
  • Direct product engineering, formulation development, substrate technologies, coatings, inks, adhesives, and specialty finishes.
  • Work in conjunction with the Research & Development/Technical Director, the Director of Engineering, and the Operations organization to develop converting processes for the production of new products.
  • Drive innovation in gravure and digitally printed, sustainable, performance, and decorative wallcovering solutions.
  • Oversee technical validation of new products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
  • Ensure and maintain the use of a suitable quality assurance system, product testing protocols, and compliance with applicable regulatory, environmental, fire, and performance standards globally.
  • Establish, document, and maintain technical specifications for the company’s global product line.
  • Identify, manage, and maintain all certifications relating to environmental and technical performance, including Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, and carbon-neutral compliance.
  • Identify and lead sustainability initiatives including material selection, recyclability, VOC reduction, environmental compliance, and lifecycle improvements to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
  • Support Product, Marketing, and Sales leaders by providing technical, environmental, and sustainability expertise to customers.
  • Interact regularly with company personnel, including Executive Management, to communicate status, outlook, and challenges with all areas of responsibility.

Qualification Requirements:

  • Required
    • B.S. or M.S. in Engineering or a Materials Science discipline.
    • Experience with materials science, including polymer films or natural substrates, coatings, adhesives, and inks.
    • Ability to communicate to the management team on process feasibility, resourcing, financial planning, and project execution.
    • Strong project management skills, with the ability to design, communicate, and execute project plans within an aggressive timeline.
    • Ability to travel, including occasional international, up to 30%.

  • Preferred
    • Proven success leading and managing others.
    • Experience in an industrial manufacturing setting, preferably web converting.


  • Desirable:
    • Product development, validation, and commercialization experience.
    • Understanding of Phase-Gate, Six Sigma, and Lean practices.



Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works at a computer and uses a keyboard and other hand-operated equipment.


The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.