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Research Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Onni Group

Development Manager

Chicago, IL

The Development Manager will oversee large-scale projects from inception to completion, leading ... Conduct feasibility studies, market research, and financial analyses to evaluate project viability.

Onni Group

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Development Manager will oversee large-scale projects from inception to completion, leading ... Conduct feasibility studies, market research, and financial analyses to evaluate project viability.

Breakthrough T1D

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D ... The Development Manager (DM) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of ...

Breakthrough T1D

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D ... The Development Manager (DM) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of ...

My1060wd

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Control project documentation and historical data regarding construction * Assist in the development of project deliverables, research, and collateral * Work in concert with project managers to ...

American Lung Association

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... research, education, and advocacy. The Development Manager is Responsible for managing assigned special events with focus on leading the annual Fight For Air Climb (FFA Climb) fundraising campaign ...

American Lung Association

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... research, education, and advocacy. The Development Manager is Responsible for managing assigned special events with focus on leading the annual Fight For Air Climb (FFA Climb) fundraising campaign ...

SF Recruitment Lab

Business Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$120K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in driving sales growth and expanding ... Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and growth ...

Abercrombie and Kent

Development Manager

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy is seeking a Development Manager to lead ... prospect research, monitoring funding announcements, and assessing alignment between funder ...

Abercrombie and Kent

Development Manager

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Position Summary Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy is seeking a Development Manager to lead ... prospect research, monitoring funding announcements, and assessing alignment between funder ...

Addison Group

Business Development Manager

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Business Development Manager Schedule and Location: * 3-4 in-office days per week, and 1-2 remote ... BDMs must be able to research and identify prospective users of temporary or permanent staffing ...

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All JobsResearch Development JobsResearch Development Manager JobsResearch Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Research Development Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$50K

$104.9K

$170.1K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Chicago, IL is $104,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research development manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by research development managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.

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

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

Is a research development manager a good job?

A research development manager oversees research projects and coordinates efforts to innovate and improve products or services. The role typically requires strong project management, communication skills, and knowledge of research methodologies, with employment prospects often stable in industries like technology, healthcare, and academia.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Research Development Manager job openings:

Research Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,945 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Director of Research, Development & Product Innovation

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Marmon Holdings rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

UTLX
As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.
The Director of Research, Development and Product Innovation provides strategic leadership for the R&D and product engineering functions across Union Tank Car Company, Procor, and McKenzie Valve. This role is responsible for driving innovation, leading the development of new products, technologies, materials, and processes, and advancing engineering solutions that support business growth, customer needs, and industry leadership.
As a senior engineering leader, the Director collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify market opportunities, enhance product performance, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The role leads and develops engineering talent while fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
The Director serves as a catalyst for innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, driving strategic R&D initiatives, and transforming ideas into practical solutions that deliver value to customers and strengthen the organization's competitive position in the rail industry.
Primary Responsibilities:
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Lead and develop R&D, product engineering, and innovation strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Lead the strategic direction of Research & Development, product engineering, and innovation initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, customer needs, and long-term business growth.
  • Drive the development, enhancement, and commercialization of railcars, components, and service equipment solutions that improve performance, reliability, safety, and customer value.
  • Establish and execute a forward-looking innovation roadmap that anticipates market trends, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory requirements.
  • Identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and digital solutions that strengthen competitive advantage and operational excellence.
  • Inspire a culture of innovation by fostering creative problem-solving, encouraging new ideas, and promoting continuous learning and technical excellence across engineering and cross-functional teams.
  • Lead the research, testing, validation, and implementation of innovative concepts, ensuring successful transition from development through commercialization and operational deployment.
  • Prioritize and manage a portfolio of engineering, product development, and innovation projects, balancing strategic objectives, resource allocation, risk, timelines, and business impact.
  • Partner closely with Manufacturing, Repair, Leasing, Sales, Operations, and other stakeholders to improve product performance, manufacturability, repairability, reliability, and lifecycle value.
  • Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor, providing mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities for engineering team members.
  • Monitor market dynamics, customer feedback, industry developments, and competitive activity to identify opportunities for product differentiation and business growth.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, suppliers, industry organizations, universities, and technical experts to advance research, innovation, and technology adoption.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, engineering best practices, and company quality and safety expectations.
  • Develop and manage departmental budgets, resources, workforce planning, and organizational capabilities to support current and future business needs.
  • Champion quality, safety, Responsible Care, and continuous improvement initiatives while driving a high-performance culture focused on innovation, accountability, and operational excellence.
  • Act as a visionary leader who challenges conventional thinking, identifies breakthrough opportunities, and drives transformative solutions that position the organization as an industry leader in engineering and innovation.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Mechanical Engineering preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering experience, including product development, mechanical design, research, testing, and implementation.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering, technical, or R&D teams.
  • Proven ability to drive innovation, solve complex technical challenges, and lead cross-functional initiatives.
  • Strong analytical, project management, communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% based on business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business Administration.
  • Experience in rail, tank car manufacturing, repair operations, or other regulated industrial environments.
  • Strong knowledge of US-DOT, Transport Canada, AAR, FRA, and related industry regulations and standards.
  • Experience leading innovation initiatives, technology roadmaps, and new product development programs.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or other relevant professional certifications.
  • Experience implementing quality, safety, and continuous improvement programs.

Work Environment & Schedule:
  • Hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week onsite and up to three days remote, subject to business needs.
  • Regular travel to manufacturing, repair, customer, and operational locations.
  • Work is performed in both office and industrial environments, including railcar manufacturing and repair facilities.
  • Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to support projects, travel, and business priorities.
  • Must be able to safely navigate industrial environments, including heights and confined spaces when necessary.

Disclaimer:
Please note the duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Why Join Our Team?
We take pride in offering our employees rich benefits packages. We appreciate hard-working and passionate individuals which is why we offer...
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Day 1 Medical, dental, vision
  • Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
  • Company-paid sickness and accident income
  • 401k with a generous company match
  • Holiday pay
  • Vacation
  • Marmon employee discount program

Pay Range:
159,300.00 - 194,700.00
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!
Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.

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