R&D Director Jobs
R&D Director jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, technology, medical devices, defense, and consumer goods, from senior manager to VP level, with specializations in product development, clinical research, and engineering innovation. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 1,712+ R&D Director jobs
ABOUT US:
Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide.
JOB SUMMARY: Conducts complex and/or non-standard research, development, and/or performance testing activities to meet stated objectives of the Technology Development team. Focused on using theory and mechanism to drive innovation. May act as overall or technical project lead and direct the work of other technical team members assigned to the project. High level of communication and presentation skill required. Often responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs and/or manages formulation, synthesis, and/or testing activities to meet established project objectives. Effective use and leadership of the Afton Product Development Process. Designs approach, test plans, and milestones to project completion.
- Develop fundamental understanding of lubricating oil performance, including developing structure/function relationships of componentry, reaction kinetics, dose-response relationships, and other mechanistic tools to deepen our understanding of our products. Use mechanistic understanding to design, and synthesize new components. Be able to practically characterize those components using standard analytical techniques, including NMR, MS, and spectroscopy.
- Evaluates and interprets data, performance, and deliverables. Provides recommendations to R&D and project leaders regarding results, deliverables, progress and challenges. Identifies and eliminates hurdles to successful project completion. Conducts special projects as assigned.
- Participates in technical and/or project reviews and presents findings as appropriates. Engages with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, process, marketing, etc. Assists in determining future direction.
- Complete complex analytical testing procedures, in-depth analysis and interpretation and provide a detailed and accurate test report to the customer in a timely manner. Evaluate all test/project data to ensure accuracy, completeness and reasonability of conclusions.
- Complete collation of data, final interpretation and written test reports. Consult with the customer as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective and ensure that project goals are being met.
- Lead or direct special research projects independently. Oversee technical activities and/or supervise technical team members assigned to the project.
- Understand, comply, and promote safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
- Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in Quality System related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
- Represent Afton in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities. Maintain adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc. Stay informed of advanced developments inside and outside of Afton.
- Participate in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:
- BS/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:
- BS/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science and Engineering.
- Experience in polymer synthesis, molecular architecture design, reaction kinetics and mechanisms, degradation studies, and material characterization is required. Knowledge of polymer chemistry, polymer physics, rheology, surfactant chemistry, solution behavior, heterogeneous and homogeneous systems, and industrial applications of polymer science is highly desirable.
- Strong expertise in analytical and structural characterization techniques for polymers, including olefin copolymers, (meth)acrylate copolymers, rubbers, and other polymeric materials.
- Strong utilization of theory and mechanism to drive inquiry and find applicable solutions
- Ability to build structure activity relations in highly complex systems
- Use of statistical analysis software for analyzing large data sets is preferred.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Decision Making - Decision making in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines and pressure; while based upon appropriate risk and authority
- Business Insight - The understanding of the basis for our business model and how that is realized in the market. The understanding of how business and operations are intimately linked. The ability to use information, practices & trends, affecting the business to engage and drive new strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.
- Analysis and Problem Solving - Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and questions all likely sources for answers; can solve complex problems and recognize complex patterns; utilizing all appropriate tools to reach a robust answer.
- Communication - The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively in an engaging and convincing manner.
- Coaching - The ability to provide the structure, environment and support for teaching, training and development of individuals and teams to enable them to achieve specific personal or professional results or goals.
- Managing Performance - Possessing the drive and focus to achieve challenging goals.
- Collaboration and Networking - The ability to work in and across Afton's organizational matrix to achieve business objectives, via engaging interactions and influencing without authority.
- Project Management - The ability to manage tasks and activities and achieve their completion within the agreed framework, across regional and organizational boundaries
- Innovation - The openness to new ideas and the ability to generate breakthrough solutions. Can develop, seek out, critically assess and implement new and value adding concepts.
- Dealing with Uncertainty - Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; doesn’t have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
- Demonstrates acceptable statistical applications to assigned area
- Consistent demonstration of safe lab practices and procedures
Working at Afton
Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.
Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.
Benefits / Compensation - Our employees are our most treasured asset and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis. In addition to the salary listed above, we offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:
- 100% Company funded Pension Plan
- 401kSavings Plan including a company match
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
- Identity Theft insurance
Pay Range: $90,000 - $105,000
The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
ABOUT US:
Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide.
JOB SUMMARY: Conducts complex and/or non-standard research, development, and/or performance testing activities to meet stated objectives of the Technology Development team. Focused on using theory and mechanism to drive innovation. May act as overall or technical project lead and direct the work of other technical team members assigned to the project. High level of communication and presentation skill required. Often responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs and/or manages formulation, synthesis, and/or testing activities to meet established project objectives. Effective use and leadership of the Afton Product Development Process. Designs approach, test plans, and milestones to project completion.
- Develop fundamental understanding of lubricating oil performance, including developing structure/function relationships of componentry, reaction kinetics, dose-response relationships, and other mechanistic tools to deepen our understanding of our products. Use mechanistic understanding to design, and synthesize new components. Be able to practically characterize those components using standard analytical techniques, including NMR, MS, and spectroscopy.
- Evaluates and interprets data, performance, and deliverables. Provides recommendations to R&D and project leaders regarding results, deliverables, progress and challenges. Identifies and eliminates hurdles to successful project completion. Conducts special projects as assigned.
- Participates in technical and/or project reviews and presents findings as appropriates. Engages with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, process, marketing, etc. Assists in determining future direction.
- Complete complex analytical testing procedures, in-depth analysis and interpretation and provide a detailed and accurate test report to the customer in a timely manner. Evaluate all test/project data to ensure accuracy, completeness and reasonability of conclusions.
- Complete collation of data, final interpretation and written test reports. Consult with the customer as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective and ensure that project goals are being met.
- Lead or direct special research projects independently. Oversee technical activities and/or supervise technical team members assigned to the project.
- Understand, comply, and promote safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
- Assure that complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participate in Quality System related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
- Represent Afton in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities. Maintain adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc. Stay informed of advanced developments inside and outside of Afton.
- Participate in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:
- BS/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:
- BS/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science and Engineering.
- Experience in polymer synthesis, molecular architecture design, reaction kinetics and mechanisms, degradation studies, and material characterization is required. Knowledge of polymer chemistry, polymer physics, rheology, surfactant chemistry, solution behavior, heterogeneous and homogeneous systems, and industrial applications of polymer science is highly desirable.
- Strong expertise in analytical and structural characterization techniques for polymers, including olefin copolymers, (meth)acrylate copolymers, rubbers, and other polymeric materials.
- Strong utilization of theory and mechanism to drive inquiry and find applicable solutions
- Ability to build structure activity relations in highly complex systems
- Use of statistical analysis software for analyzing large data sets is preferred.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Decision Making - Decision making in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines and pressure; while based upon appropriate risk and authority
- Business Insight - The understanding of the basis for our business model and how that is realized in the market. The understanding of how business and operations are intimately linked. The ability to use information, practices & trends, affecting the business to engage and drive new strategies and tactics work in the marketplace.
- Analysis and Problem Solving - Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and questions all likely sources for answers; can solve complex problems and recognize complex patterns; utilizing all appropriate tools to reach a robust answer.
- Communication - The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively in an engaging and convincing manner.
- Coaching - The ability to provide the structure, environment and support for teaching, training and development of individuals and teams to enable them to achieve specific personal or professional results or goals.
- Managing Performance - Possessing the drive and focus to achieve challenging goals.
- Collaboration and Networking - The ability to work in and across Afton's organizational matrix to achieve business objectives, via engaging interactions and influencing without authority.
- Project Management - The ability to manage tasks and activities and achieve their completion within the agreed framework, across regional and organizational boundaries
- Innovation - The openness to new ideas and the ability to generate breakthrough solutions. Can develop, seek out, critically assess and implement new and value adding concepts.
- Dealing with Uncertainty - Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn’t upset when things are up in the air; doesn’t have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
- Demonstrates acceptable statistical applications to assigned area
- Consistent demonstration of safe lab practices and procedures
Working at Afton
Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions. We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.
Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.
Benefits / Compensation - Our employees are our most treasured asset and we are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees for their commitment on an ongoing basis. In addition to the salary listed above, we offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:
- 100% Company funded Pension Plan
- 401kSavings Plan including a company match
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Dependent and Personal Accident Insurance
- Identity Theft insurance
Pay Range: $90,000 - $105,000
The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 1,712+ R&D Director Jobs
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Find R&D Director JobsR&D Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Sandia National Laboratories104
- Los Alamos National Laboratory80
- Kraft Heinz33
- Sherwin-Williams31
- Riot Games29
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software53
- Manufacturing31
- Electronics & Hardware26
- Chemicals & Materials19
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals17
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in R&D director jobs.
- Advanced degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical field required
- 10 or more years of progressive R&D experience with demonstrated leadership responsibility
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and multi-million-dollar research budgets
- Experience guiding products through regulatory approval processes such as FDA or ISO
- Strong record of translating research findings into commercial products or patentable innovations
- Proficiency with stage-gate development frameworks, agile methodologies, or similar R&D management systems
Tips for Your R&D Director Job Search
Quantify your pipeline and commercialization outcomes
R&D Director resumes that stand out tie your leadership directly to products launched, patents filed, or development cycles shortened. Reviewers want to see that your teams moved ideas from concept to market, not just that you managed a lab.
Align your application to the company's stage
An early-stage biotech r&d director role demands hands-on bench credibility, while a Fortune 500 posting prioritizes cross-functional governance and budget ownership. Reframe the same experience differently depending on which stage the employer is at.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists r&d director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight your regulatory and compliance fluency
Many r&d director postings in pharma, medtech, and defense require familiarity with FDA submissions, ISO standards, or ITAR controls. Name the specific frameworks you've worked within, since generic mentions of compliance experience rarely satisfy technical hiring panels.
Prepare a portfolio of your R&D investment decisions
Interviewers at the director level routinely ask how you prioritize projects, allocate budgets across a portfolio, and kill underperforming programs. Have two or three concrete examples ready that show your decision-making logic, not just the outcomes.
Negotiate total compensation, not just base pay
R&D director offers frequently include equity, milestone bonuses tied to program success, and publication or patent incentives. Know which components matter most to you before the offer conversation, and be prepared to discuss trade-offs across each element.
R&D Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most r&d directors?
The most active employers for r&d directors right now are Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Kraft Heinz, and the most openings are in California, New Mexico, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially strong in pharmaceuticals, medtech, and advanced manufacturing.
How many r&d director jobs are remote?
About 35% of r&d director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by industry. Software and digital product R&D roles are more likely to offer remote flexibility, while lab-dependent roles in pharma, biotech, and hardware typically require on-site presence for at least part of the week.
How do you become a r&d director?
Most r&d directors reach the role by building deep technical expertise in a specific domain, then progressively taking on larger team and program leadership responsibilities. Getting there typically involves leading a research group or product development team, delivering a commercially significant project, and gaining exposure to budget ownership and cross-functional stakeholder management before stepping into the director title.
Can I get hired as a r&d director with limited director-level experience?
Yes, but you'll need to close the gap by demonstrating outcomes rather than titles. Candidates who have led end-to-end development programs, managed researchers or engineers directly, and influenced strategic direction at the team level are competitive even without a prior director title. Targeted industries like early-stage startups and spin-outs are more likely to promote strong senior contributors into director roles.
What does the r&d director interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a recruiter screen followed by a technical or functional interview with a VP or CTO assessing domain depth. A panel interview with cross-functional leaders in product, regulatory, or operations usually follows, and finalists are often asked to present a research strategy or portfolio review. Reference checks and a final executive conversation are common before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to r&d director jobs?
You can find and apply to r&d director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your industry background and seniority, then apply directly to each listing that fits your experience and goals.
See All 1,712+ R&D Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find R&D Director Jobs