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Research And Development Manager Jobs in Virginia

The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research ... Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research ... Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth

At SSD our teams engage in ground breaking software research, development, and transition for the ... As the primary SSD Pittsburgh based Business Development Manager for DoW & Federal Agencies, you ...

... Manager is responsible for providing prospect research, portfolio management, data analysis ... development. Pipeline Reporting: * Review pipeline reports for accuracy and ensure all planned ...

Implement and ensure the overall effectiveness of our global R&D strategy. Effectively plan and manage a global team, budgets, projects, and test resources to deliver stated objectives and meet the ...

Implement and ensure the overall effectiveness of our global R&D strategy. Effectively plan and manage a global team, budgets, projects, and test resources to deliver stated objectives and meet the ...

R&D Manager

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$109K - $137K/yr

... management. Product Development: · Own the end-to-end R&D / Product Development process from concept to launch. · Utilise FOK methodology to ensure the proposed design meets production Takt Time ...

R&D Manager

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$109K - $137K/yr

... management. Product Development: • Own the end-to-end R&D / Product Development process from concept to launch. • Utilise FOK methodology to ensure the proposed design meets production Takt Time ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research And Development Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$48.1K

$100.9K

$163.6K

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

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development manager in Virginia is $100,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research And Development Manager vs Product Development Manager?

AspectResearch And Development ManagerProduct Development Manager
Primary FocusInnovating and developing new technologies or processesDesigning and launching new products or improving existing ones
Work EnvironmentLabs, R&D departments, technical teamsDesign studios, engineering teams, marketing
Required CredentialsScience or engineering degrees, technical expertiseEngineering, business, or marketing degrees, project management skills
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturingConsumer goods, tech, automotive, electronics

Both roles involve product innovation but differ in focus: R&D Managers concentrate on creating new technologies and processes, while Product Development Managers focus on bringing products to market and improving existing offerings. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much do R&D managers make in the US?

Research and Development (R&D) managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $90,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and require strong leadership and technical skills to oversee innovation projects and teams.

What does a research and development manager do?

A research and development manager oversees the development of new products, processes, or technologies within a company. They coordinate research activities, manage teams of scientists or engineers, and ensure projects meet objectives, budgets, and deadlines, often utilizing project management tools and technical expertise.

Is R&D stressful as a career?

Research and Development Managers often face stress due to project deadlines, innovation demands, and managing teams. The role requires problem-solving skills, adaptability, and often involves long hours, especially during critical phases of product development or research cycles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research and Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Manager, you need a background in science or engineering, proven project management skills, and experience leading innovation initiatives, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with R&D management software, data analytics tools, and relevant certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are commonly required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and clear communication skills help you motivate teams and drive projects forward. These capabilities are essential for delivering innovative products, optimizing processes, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

What is the role of a research and development manager?

A research and development (R&D) manager oversees the development of new products, services, or processes by coordinating research activities, managing teams, and ensuring projects meet technical and business objectives. They analyze market trends, allocate resources, and collaborate with other departments to innovate and improve offerings. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills are essential in this role.

How does a Research and Development Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Research and Development Manager works closely with teams across engineering, marketing, production, and quality assurance to ensure project goals align with business objectives. They often lead brainstorming sessions, coordinate timelines, and facilitate communication between departments to address technical challenges and integrate feedback. This collaboration ensures that new products or processes are innovative, feasible, and market-ready. Being proactive in cross-team communication is essential for keeping projects on track and ensuring successful outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Manager jobs in Virginia? For Research And Development Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Manager jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Research And Development Manager job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $100,921 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

$186K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the countrys most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team.  As a key member of our Cognitive Intel Solutions (Sensors & Systems) group, the Director will pursue and grow applied R&D opportunities with IC and DoW customers (e.g. NGA, NRO, AFRL, military services, etc.), lead corporate-wide Independent Research & Development (IR&D) efforts and manage existing R&D contracts.  The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research offices while reporting to the Vice President of the Sensors & Systems Business Unit.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth
  • Provide technical direction, leadership, and management oversight of a substantial IR&D budget in artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Lead and shape capture and proposals, developing strategy to expand our existing technology baseline in alignment with the Riverside Research wide strategy and vision.
  • Significant customer interaction, initiating customer contact to create new business opportunities at DoD and IC organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, USSF, SDA, etc.
  • Collaboration across the larger Riverside Research organization to facilitate the development and transition of revolutionary solutions in important technology areas in the intelligence automation, system and sensor orchestration and sensor technology spaces, including machine learning/artificial intelligence, system integration, field testing, data collection, and software development.
  • Experience as a Principal Investigator for programs, setting technical direction and guiding teams in executing complex development projects that regularly involve multiple technical fields and cross-disciplinary work.
  • Grow the next generation of associate directors, managers, and scientists through mentorship
  • A leader that is responsible for developing consensus from among competing inputs to include customer feedback, diverse technical opinions, and team dynamics

Riverside has created a collaborative culture that stands apart from their competitors. With a strong business base, forward-looking vantage point, and growing internal R&D capabilities, the Director will be strongly positioned to grow his/her enterprise.


  • Active TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain SAP access.
  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years’ experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience is typically required for an employee at this level, and 8 years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience in leading teams to solve complex technical problems, and developing and growing teams and an organization around a unified vision
  • Experience in new business capture, such as shaping program opportunities and proposal writing; preferred if experienced leading proposal efforts
  • Motivated individuals with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to perform a wide variety of related tasks, have exceptional oral and written skills, and experience presenting to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrated understanding of program management processes and ability to prioritize multiple, concurrent tasks with minimal supervision
  • An established professional reputation for excellence in customer support and program execution
  • Collaborative leader with the highest integrity and moral compass
  • Sound business judgment, keen conceptual skills, intellectual discipline, self-confidence, imagination, well-developed management skills, and the personal ambition to play a major role in the growth and success of a high-end government research and services company with a strong heritage for high quality and responsive service to its clients
  • Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications

  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years’ experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD
  • Experience with automation of intelligence collection, orchestration, and analysis activities through software, particularly efforts leveraging Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLM’s) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
  • Has an existing network of USG Customer contacts at DoD and IC research and development organizations, or has experience growing and maintaining a customer contact network
  • Demonstrated success in leading the capture of DoD and / or IC R&D opportunities at organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, DARPA, USSF, SDA,
  • Technology roadmap development experience
  • Experience with programming and scripting languages (e.g., Java, C++, MATLAB, Python, Bash)
  • Proven ability to lead a diverse organization across multiple sites
  • A minimum of bachelor’s degree in related field (Engineering, Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, etc.) and several years of relevant experience required with strong preference for PhD degree.

$000,000- $000,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veterans status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.