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Research And Development Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

StarKist Co.

Director, Research & Development

Reston, VA · On-site

$190 - $250/hr

Director, Research & Development Regular Full-Time Reston, VA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1310 This position is located in Reston, VA This position is not remote work US Citizenship or Green Card ...

GEICO

Research & Development Analyst III

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60K - $185K/yr

Your Impact at GEICO At GEICO, Research and Development (R&D) is fundamental to our business. Complex analysis underlies every major decision for our research and development and is an essential ...

Geico

Research & Development Analyst III

Bethesda, MD

$60K - $185K/yr

Your Impact at GEICO At GEICO, Research and Development (R&D) is fundamental to our business. Complex analysis underlies every major decision for our research and development and is an essential ...

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

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 ...

Granules

Manager, Analytical R&D

Chantilly, VA · On-site

With our sites in Chantilly and Manassas, Virginia, we have R&D through manufacturing and packaging of our medicines including pulsatile drug release in tablet and capsule dosage form, orally ...

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Research And Development information

See Washington, DC salary details

$54.7K

$114.9K

$186.2K

How much do research and development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development in Washington, DC is $114,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,400.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is research and development (R&D)?

Research and Development (R&D) refers to the activities companies undertake to innovate and introduce new products or services. It involves researching market needs, creating new ideas, and developing prototypes or processes to bring those ideas to life. R&D is crucial for business growth, helping organizations stay competitive by improving existing products or inventing new ones. Professionals in this field often work in laboratories, engineering departments, or product design teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in research and development (R&D)?

A successful R&D professional typically possesses a strong background in scientific or technical disciplines, supported by relevant degrees such as a BS, MS, or PhD in fields like engineering, chemistry, or biology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and project management tools, along with certifications like Six Sigma or PMP, is often required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills that help drive innovation and teamwork. These competencies are vital for developing new products, improving processes, and maintaining a competitive edge in fast-evolving markets.

What are typical challenges faced by professionals in research and development (R&D)?

Professionals in R&D roles often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative thinking with practical constraints like budget, timelines, and regulatory requirements. They must also navigate uncertainties related to experimental results and manage cross-functional collaboration with teams such as marketing, production, and quality assurance. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and maintaining clear documentation throughout the development process are also crucial to success. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential to overcome these common hurdles and drive projects forward.

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

AspectResearch And DevelopmentProduct Development
FocusCreating new knowledge, innovations, and prototypesDesigning, building, and launching new or improved products
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research centers, R&D departmentsDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, project teams
Required CredentialsScience or engineering degrees, research experienceEngineering, design, or product management background
Industry UsageTech, pharmaceuticals, manufacturingConsumer goods, electronics, automotive

Research And Development focuses on generating new knowledge and innovations, often in labs or research centers. Product Development takes those innovations and transforms them into market-ready products through design, testing, and manufacturing processes. While R&D is about discovery, product development is about application and commercialization.

What degree do you need to work in research and development?

Research and development roles typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or technology. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., along with strong analytical skills and experience with laboratory tools or research methodologies.

What skills are needed for research and development jobs?

Research and development jobs require strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in scientific or technical methods. Knowledge of relevant tools, programming languages, or laboratory equipment, along with good communication and teamwork skills, are also important for success in R&D roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Research And Development jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development jobs in Washington, DC?

For Research And Development jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development jobs in Washington, DC are:

Research And Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,249 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Director, Research & Development

StarKist Co.

Reston, VA • On-site

$190 - $250/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director, Research & Development

Regular Full-Time Reston, VA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1310

This position is located in Reston, VA
This position is not remote work
US Citizenship or Green Card Holder - no sponsorship available

PURPOSE -

  • Lead the Research & Development Team including Innovation & Product Development, Base Product & Process Development, Packaging Development, and Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs workstreams. Partner with the plants on R&D initiatives.
  • Act as the liaison between the non-technical areas as well as the technical areas todevelop andexecute new and base products and process strategies to grow the overall business and enable cost savings.
  • Responsible for the communication of new and base business activities and strategies with non-technical areas such as Marketing & Innovation,Trade Marketing, Market Research, Finance,andSales. Also provide the technical communication to the technical areas such as QA, Operations, Packaging, and specific factory or co-manufacturing locations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES –

  • Develop New Products & Innovation : Develop New Products or Next-Generation Innovation including the development of new product formulas and packaging (internally through R&D associates or externally working through consultants or suppliers) to deliver within agreed timeline, quality, and cost parameters. Work with internal or co-manufacturing locations on start-up and commercialization.
  • Optimize Base Business Products & Process : Reformulate or restage base products or refine processes within agreed timeline, quality and cost parameters. Work directly with manufacturing locations for process improvements.
  • Maintain and Optimize R&D Support Systems & Technical Services : Provide Technical Services and R&D Systems to optimize product development work stream and timelines, process systems, formula systems, ingredient specifications, nutritional labeling and ingredient statements that meet all departments expectations and deliver projects on time.
  • P ro v idePackaging Engineering and Nutrition & Regulatory Services : Deliver Packaging and Nutrition & Regulatory Services to support Base Business & Innovation initiatives to maintain and grow the StarKist business.
  • Co-Pack Management & Support: Oversee internal co-packing partnerships and third-party manufacturing relationships, ensuring product formulations, quality standards, and process specifications are consistently executed at co-packer facilities.
  • Support plants with Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams, ensuring R&D specifications are accurately translated and maintained across all plants including contract manufacturing sites.
  • Lead technical oversight of plant and co-packing relationships, including formulation transfer, scale-up trials, and troubleshooting to ensure new product development translates successfully from pilot to commercial production.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/COMPETENCIES -

  • 20+ years of overall professional experience in various product and process development technologies and management, strong understanding of processing equipment and low acid thermal and retort processing. Strong understanding of federal regulations and nutritional labeling. Experience with new packaging development.
  • 5-10 yearsof management experience leading a R&D/technical teamin a position of similar complexity, scope, size and international impact.
  • Experience in CPG/Food required.
  • BS or MS and wide range of product and process development experience.
  • Must be able to travel by plane - approximate travel 30%. (includes international, passport required)
  • Must be capable of travel for extended periods (extended: 5-15 days)

The approximate pay range for this position is $190,000 to $250,000. This range is provided as a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

StarKist Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. EOE/AA/Vet/Disability

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