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Research Operations Director Jobs in Madison, WI

Guided by our vision to help researchers rapidly move from the lab to life-changing advances, we ... The Director of Operations Strategy leads operational strategy and execution across PMO, ...

Direct the planning and implementation of clinical research protocols within K-12 settings ... Financial & Operational Oversight: Manage the overall functioning and fiscal health of clinical ...

Dharmacon, now part of Revvity, have combined life science research and applied genomics portfolios ... Provide direct sales support to customers in collaboration with the Global Sales Operations team.

... our operations to enhance how work gets done and deliver greater value to customers and patients ... Adapt techniques to new procedures or particular needs as directed * Learn how to interpret a study ...

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Research Operations Director information

See Madison, WI salary details

$34.3K

$108.5K

$180.9K

How much do research operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for research operations director in Madison, WI is $108,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research operations director?

A Research Operations Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the infrastructure, processes, and resources that support research activities within an organization. They manage teams, budgets, and systems to ensure research projects run efficiently and comply with regulatory standards. Their role often includes improving workflow, implementing best practices, and supporting researchers with tools and training. The goal is to streamline research operations and enhance the impact of research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research operations director?

To thrive as a Research Operations Director, you need expertise in research management, process optimization, and budgeting, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, compliance systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for leading teams and coordinating complex projects. These skills ensure efficient research operations, compliance with regulations, and the successful delivery of research outcomes.

What are the main challenges a research operations director faces in supporting cross-functional research teams?

A Research Operations Director often navigates challenges such as coordinating resources across multiple research projects, ensuring consistent processes, and managing communication between diverse stakeholders like researchers, product managers, and leadership. Balancing the needs of various teams while maintaining research quality and compliance can be complex, especially as organizations scale. Effective directors establish standardized procedures, foster a culture of collaboration, and implement tools that streamline workflows to address these challenges.

What is the difference between Research Operations Director vs Research Manager?

AspectResearch Operations DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or PhD) and extensive experience in research managementUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree with several years of research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple research teams, manages operations, and aligns research strategies with organizational goalsManages specific research projects or teams, focusing on execution and deliverables
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, tech companies, and research institutionsFound across various industries including tech, healthcare, and market research firms

The Research Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and operational management of research functions, while the Research Manager handles day-to-day project execution. Both roles require research expertise, but the director role involves broader leadership and organizational responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Operations jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Research Operations jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Operations Director jobs in Madison, WI?

For Research Operations Director jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Research Operations Director jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Research Operations Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Operations Director job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,502 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Director of Engineering (Research and Development)

Amphenol

Janesville, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
Join a technology-driven organization that designs and manufactures advanced sensing solutions used in demanding automotive, heavy vehicle, off-road, and industrial applications. Our products measure and monitor fluid level, fluid quality, pressure, speed, and position using technologies including ultrasonics, Hall-effect sensing, variable reluctance, MEMS, and embedded electronics.
As Director of R&D, you will lead the research, development, and technology organization and drive the innovation strategy that supports the company's future growth. Working closely with executive leadership, you will define and execute technology roadmaps, identify and mature new sensing concepts, guide new technology development, and lead the introduction of next-generation sensor platforms. A key aspect of the role is developing scalable technology platforms that enable product differentiation, technology reuse, and efficient development across multiple product families.
This role provides the opportunity to influence both business strategy and technical direction. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, firmware, and packaging engineers responsible for the complete exploration, design, and development, and lead the introduction of next-generation sensor platforms. A key aspect of the role is developing scalable technology platforms that enable product differentiation, technology reuse, and efficient development across multiple product families.
Position Requirements:
  1. R&D Strategy, Technology Vision & Innovation Leadership
    1. Define and execute the R&D strategy aligned with company objectives, technology roadmaps, and product growth initiatives.
    2. Partner with executive leadership to establish long-term product, research, and technology strategies.
    3. Identify emerging technologies, market trends, academic developments, and customer needs that drive future product development.
    4. Lead technology scouting, feasibility assessment, and concept exploration for new sensing technologies and system architectures.
    5. Establish and manage an innovation pipeline that balances near-term product needs with longer-term research and development opportunities.
    6. Guide system architecture and technical direction to ensure scalable, reliable, manufacturable, and differentiated product solutions.
    7. Drive platform-based product development strategies that maximize technology reuse, scalability, and speed-to-market across multiple product families.
    8. Balance innovation, technical risk, research investment, and execution priorities across the R&D portfolio.
  2. Research, Product Development & Technical Execution
    1. Lead the exploration and development of advanced sensor concepts from early research through production launch.
    2. Oversee feature enhancements for existing platforms and the development of next-generation sensor technologies.
    3. Define and execute proof-of-concept studies, breadboarding, prototype development, and feasibility testing for new technologies.
    4. Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and regulatory requirements.
    5. Direct New Product Introduction (NPI), validation, qualification, and product release activities.
    6. Provide technical mentorship and guidance for complex engineering, research, and customer challenges.
    7. Drive engineering excellence through robust design, experimentation, verification, and problem-solving methodologies.
    8. Support technology transition from R&D into product development and manufacturing.
  3. Organizational Leadership & Talent Development
    1. Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team including mechanical, electrical, firmware, systems, and packaging engineering disciplines.
    2. Build a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
    3. Recruit, develop, and retain top engineering and research talent.
    4. Establish performance expectations and support career development across the organization.
    5. Foster cross-functional collaboration between R&D, engineering, operations, quality, sales, product management, and manufacturing.
    6. Promote knowledge sharing, technical learning, and continuous development of core competencies.
  4. Program & Operational Management
    1. Own R&D resource planning, budgeting, and organizational capacity planning.
    2. Establish and improve R&D development processes, tools, and performance metrics.
    3. Ensure projects are executed on schedule, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
    4. Monitor R&D performance through quality, delivery, reliability, technical progress, and operational metrics.
    5. Remove organizational and technical barriers that impact execution and product delivery.
    6. Manage portfolio priorities across exploratory research, applied development, and product launch support.
    7. Ensure disciplined stage-gate decision-making and project governance for R&D programs.
  5. Customer, Business & External Innovation Engagement
    1. Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, technology partners, universities, and internal stakeholders.
    2. Participate in strategic customer engagements, technical reviews, and business development activities.
    3. Support manufacturing operations and global product launch activities.
    4. Represent R&D in executive planning, business reviews, and customer-facing discussions.
    5. Ensure compliance with applicable customer, industry, and regulatory requirements.
    6. Support strategic partnerships, collaborative development efforts, and external technology initiatives where appropriate.
    7. Contribute to intellectual property strategy, including invention disclosures, patent generation, and protection of proprietary technologies.
  6. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  7. Individuals directed by management to operate a vehicle for work purposes will observe the requirements of the Fleet Safety Program.
  8. Support, promote, and perform in a manner consistent with continuous improvement goals and the values of SSI Technologies, LLC. which includes following the policies, procedures, and requirements of our Quality Management and IS0 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
  9. All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Professional/Technical Experience, Skills and Education:
  1. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Advanced degree preferred. Required.
  2. Expertise in sensor technologies, signal processing, and relevant domains. A deep understanding of the technical intricacies involved in sensor development. Required.
  3. Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and guide a technical team. Effective communication, high-pressure decision-making skills, and conflict resolution are essential. Required.
  4. Proven capability to develop and execute a strategic vision with a customer-centric mindset including aligning engineering efforts with broader business objectives, anticipating future industry trends and managing complex engineering projects. Required.
  5. A track record of fostering innovation within engineering and cross functional teams, driving research and development initiatives, implementing creative solutions that comply with industry regulations and standards and offer a robust quality assurance process. Required.
  6. Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, required.
  7. 10+ years of progressive technical engineering or R&D leadership experience required.

Key Attributes:
  • Has a high degree of latitude/minor oversight
  • Handles the most complex of issues.
  • Advanced level of knowledge.
  • Acts as a leader.

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