R&D Team Lead Jobs
R&D Team Lead jobs are open across pharmaceuticals, technology, medical devices, and consumer goods, at every level from senior individual contributor to director-track, with specializations in product development, materials science, and process engineering. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Ready to be a Titan?
ServiceTitan is the leading software platform for the trades, powering the businesses that keep the world running. Our technology is our product, and the leaders who build it shape everything we ship. As the Lead Executive Recruiter, you will own the end-to-end search for ServiceTitan's most consequential technical leadership hires: Senior Director, VP, SVP, and confidential roles across Engineering, Product Management, and Design. You will serve as a trusted advisor to our most senior technology and product leaders, delivering not just candidates but market intelligence, competitive insight, and a point of view on a talent market where the best leaders are rarely looking. At ServiceTitan, Executive Recruiting is not a support function. It is a strategic driver of growth, and this role sits at the center of that.
You will report directly to the Global Head of Talent Acquisition and partner closely with our CTPO and R&D leadership to drive executive hiring. You'll join a 25+ person global TA team and serve as the point of excellence for executive search across Engineering, Product Management, and Design.
What You'll Do:
Own the R&D Executive Search Function
- Lead full-cycle executive searches for Senior Director, VP, SVP, and proactive roles across Engineering, Product Management, and Design globally, from intake through offer close and onboarding handoff
- Serve as the primary point of contact and strategic advisor to R&D hiring managers throughout each search
- Design and execute bespoke search strategies for each role, including market mapping, target company lists, outreach sequencing, and candidate positioning
- Manage a small portfolio of concurrent confidential searches with rigorous discretion and timeline discipline
Deliver Strategic Partnership to R&D Leaders
- Build trusted relationships with the CTPO and the heads of Engineering, Product Management, and Design to deeply understand their organizational needs and long-term talent vision
- Present candidate slates, market benchmarks, and competitive intelligence in polished, executive-ready formats
- Advise stakeholders on organizational design, leveling, and talent availability when R&D headcount plans are being built, not just filled
- Influence offer strategy, compensation structure, and negotiation posture for critical R&D executive hires
Build the Pipeline Before You Need It
- Maintain a living talent map of executive-level engineering, product, and design talent across key geographies, including competitors, adjacent industries, and passive candidates in long-term relationships
- Partner with People team leadership on succession planning frameworks for VP+ roles and key R&D leadership positions globally
- Cultivate a proprietary network of technology and product executives who trust ServiceTitan as a destination employer, even before a role is open
Operate with Data and Market Intelligence
- Develop and deliver regular R&D executive talent market reports covering compensation trends, supply/demand dynamics, and competitor moves
- Track and report executive search metrics, including time-to-fill, offer acceptance rate, diversity of slate, and source of hire, to the Head of TA and People leadership
- Partner with Total Rewards and Finance on exec-level compensation benchmarking and equity modeling for offer scenarios
Elevate ServiceTitan's Executive Brand
- Serve as a brand ambassador to high-caliber R&D executive talent, delivering a world-class candidate experience that reflects ServiceTitan's culture and ambition
- Partner with Communications and Marketing on executive employer branding narratives for engineering, product, and design audiences
- Represent ServiceTitan at executive-level technology and product industry events, forums, and networks to build brand credibility with senior leaders
What You'll Bring
- 10+ years of experience, with 5+ years placing successful VP+ level engineering, product, or design leaders at high-growth technology companies, in-house, retained search firm, or both
- Demonstrated ability to run confidential, complex searches with senior-level discretion and stakeholder management acuity
- Expert-level command of executive sourcing strategies, including direct outreach, network mapping, research methodologies, and tools such as Ashby, LinkedIn Recruiter, Gem, or similar
- Experience advising senior technology and product stakeholders as a trusted thought partner, not just a transactional recruiter
- Deep fluency in executive compensation structures, including equity programs and long-term incentive design at growth-stage and pre/post-IPO companies
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills: you write compelling outreach, give tight executive presentations, and know when to speak and when to listen
- Strong command of executive search metrics and the ability to use data to drive decisions and report to leadership
Bonus if you have:
- Experience recruiting across global markets with cultural fluency for cross-border candidate dynamics
- Background in or deep familiarity with enterprise B2B SaaS, vertical SaaS, or field service software markets
- Prior retained search firm experience (Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, or boutique equivalent) alongside corporate TA experience
- Experience partnering on C-1 succession planning processes
Be Human With Us:
Being human isn’t about checking every box on a list. It’s about the experiences we have, people we meet, and the perspectives we share. So, if you have the skills but are hesitant to apply because of your background, apply anyway. We need amazing people like you to help us challenge the conventional and think differently about the problems that we’re solving. We’re in this together. Come be human, with us.
Use of AI Technology:
We use technology, including automated and AI-assisted tools, to support certain aspects of our recruitment process. These tools are designed to improve efficiency and enhance the candidate experience. AI tools are not used to make hiring decisions; all hiring decisions are made by our hiring teams.
What We Offer:
When you join our team, you’re not just accepting a job. You’re making a career move. Here’s how we’ll support you in doing some of the most impactful work of your career:
- Flextime, recognition, and support for autonomous work: Flexible time off with ample learning and development opportunities to continue growing your career. We offer a comprehensive onboarding program, leadership training for Titans at all levels, and other programs and events. Great work is rewarded through Bonusly, peer-nominated awards, and more.
- Holistic health and wellness benefits: Company-paid medical, dental, and vision (with 100% employer paid options and 90% coverage for dependents), FSA and HSA, 401k match, and telehealth options including memberships to One Medical.
- Support for Titans at all stages of life: Parental leave and support, up to $20k in fertility services (i.e. IUI and IVF), surrogacy, and adoption reimbursement, on demand maternity support through Maven Maternity, free breast milk shipping through Maven Milk, pet insurance, legal advisory services, financial planning tools, and more.
At ServiceTitan, we celebrate individuality and uniqueness. We believe that the convergence of fresh perspectives and experiences from all walks of life is what makes our product and culture so great. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. We do not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity or expression, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), genetic information, protected military or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Ready to be a Titan?
ServiceTitan is the leading software platform for the trades, powering the businesses that keep the world running. Our technology is our product, and the leaders who build it shape everything we ship. As the Lead Executive Recruiter, you will own the end-to-end search for ServiceTitan's most consequential technical leadership hires: Senior Director, VP, SVP, and confidential roles across Engineering, Product Management, and Design. You will serve as a trusted advisor to our most senior technology and product leaders, delivering not just candidates but market intelligence, competitive insight, and a point of view on a talent market where the best leaders are rarely looking. At ServiceTitan, Executive Recruiting is not a support function. It is a strategic driver of growth, and this role sits at the center of that.
You will report directly to the Global Head of Talent Acquisition and partner closely with our CTPO and R&D leadership to drive executive hiring. You'll join a 25+ person global TA team and serve as the point of excellence for executive search across Engineering, Product Management, and Design.
What You'll Do:
Own the R&D Executive Search Function
- Lead full-cycle executive searches for Senior Director, VP, SVP, and proactive roles across Engineering, Product Management, and Design globally, from intake through offer close and onboarding handoff
- Serve as the primary point of contact and strategic advisor to R&D hiring managers throughout each search
- Design and execute bespoke search strategies for each role, including market mapping, target company lists, outreach sequencing, and candidate positioning
- Manage a small portfolio of concurrent confidential searches with rigorous discretion and timeline discipline
Deliver Strategic Partnership to R&D Leaders
- Build trusted relationships with the CTPO and the heads of Engineering, Product Management, and Design to deeply understand their organizational needs and long-term talent vision
- Present candidate slates, market benchmarks, and competitive intelligence in polished, executive-ready formats
- Advise stakeholders on organizational design, leveling, and talent availability when R&D headcount plans are being built, not just filled
- Influence offer strategy, compensation structure, and negotiation posture for critical R&D executive hires
Build the Pipeline Before You Need It
- Maintain a living talent map of executive-level engineering, product, and design talent across key geographies, including competitors, adjacent industries, and passive candidates in long-term relationships
- Partner with People team leadership on succession planning frameworks for VP+ roles and key R&D leadership positions globally
- Cultivate a proprietary network of technology and product executives who trust ServiceTitan as a destination employer, even before a role is open
Operate with Data and Market Intelligence
- Develop and deliver regular R&D executive talent market reports covering compensation trends, supply/demand dynamics, and competitor moves
- Track and report executive search metrics, including time-to-fill, offer acceptance rate, diversity of slate, and source of hire, to the Head of TA and People leadership
- Partner with Total Rewards and Finance on exec-level compensation benchmarking and equity modeling for offer scenarios
Elevate ServiceTitan's Executive Brand
- Serve as a brand ambassador to high-caliber R&D executive talent, delivering a world-class candidate experience that reflects ServiceTitan's culture and ambition
- Partner with Communications and Marketing on executive employer branding narratives for engineering, product, and design audiences
- Represent ServiceTitan at executive-level technology and product industry events, forums, and networks to build brand credibility with senior leaders
What You'll Bring
- 10+ years of experience, with 5+ years placing successful VP+ level engineering, product, or design leaders at high-growth technology companies, in-house, retained search firm, or both
- Demonstrated ability to run confidential, complex searches with senior-level discretion and stakeholder management acuity
- Expert-level command of executive sourcing strategies, including direct outreach, network mapping, research methodologies, and tools such as Ashby, LinkedIn Recruiter, Gem, or similar
- Experience advising senior technology and product stakeholders as a trusted thought partner, not just a transactional recruiter
- Deep fluency in executive compensation structures, including equity programs and long-term incentive design at growth-stage and pre/post-IPO companies
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills: you write compelling outreach, give tight executive presentations, and know when to speak and when to listen
- Strong command of executive search metrics and the ability to use data to drive decisions and report to leadership
Bonus if you have:
- Experience recruiting across global markets with cultural fluency for cross-border candidate dynamics
- Background in or deep familiarity with enterprise B2B SaaS, vertical SaaS, or field service software markets
- Prior retained search firm experience (Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, or boutique equivalent) alongside corporate TA experience
- Experience partnering on C-1 succession planning processes
Be Human With Us:
Being human isn’t about checking every box on a list. It’s about the experiences we have, people we meet, and the perspectives we share. So, if you have the skills but are hesitant to apply because of your background, apply anyway. We need amazing people like you to help us challenge the conventional and think differently about the problems that we’re solving. We’re in this together. Come be human, with us.
Use of AI Technology:
We use technology, including automated and AI-assisted tools, to support certain aspects of our recruitment process. These tools are designed to improve efficiency and enhance the candidate experience. AI tools are not used to make hiring decisions; all hiring decisions are made by our hiring teams.
What We Offer:
When you join our team, you’re not just accepting a job. You’re making a career move. Here’s how we’ll support you in doing some of the most impactful work of your career:
- Flextime, recognition, and support for autonomous work: Flexible time off with ample learning and development opportunities to continue growing your career. We offer a comprehensive onboarding program, leadership training for Titans at all levels, and other programs and events. Great work is rewarded through Bonusly, peer-nominated awards, and more.
- Holistic health and wellness benefits: Company-paid medical, dental, and vision (with 100% employer paid options and 90% coverage for dependents), FSA and HSA, 401k match, and telehealth options including memberships to One Medical.
- Support for Titans at all stages of life: Parental leave and support, up to $20k in fertility services (i.e. IUI and IVF), surrogacy, and adoption reimbursement, on demand maternity support through Maven Maternity, free breast milk shipping through Maven Milk, pet insurance, legal advisory services, financial planning tools, and more.
At ServiceTitan, we celebrate individuality and uniqueness. We believe that the convergence of fresh perspectives and experiences from all walks of life is what makes our product and culture so great. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. We do not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity or expression, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), genetic information, protected military or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
R&D Team Lead Jobs by Experience Level
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Find R&D Team Lead JobsR&D Team Lead Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Sandia National Laboratories104
- Los Alamos National Laboratory66
- Kraft Heinz36
- Keysight Technologies36
- Sherwin-Williams34
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software56
- Manufacturing25
- Electronics & Hardware22
- Consulting & Professional Services20
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals19
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in R&D team lead jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline
- 5 or more years of R&D experience with at least 2 years in a team leadership role
- Proficiency with stage-gate product development processes and project management tools
- Demonstrated ability to mentor technical staff and manage cross-functional project teams
- Experience with regulatory submissions, IP documentation, or technical patent processes
- Familiarity with laboratory management systems, ERP platforms, or PLM software
Tips for Your R&D Team Lead Job Search
Quantify your team and pipeline outcomes
R&D hiring managers want to see headcount managed, budget owned, and products advanced to specific milestones. Replace vague leadership claims with numbers: team size, project cycle times cut, or prototypes moved to commercialization.
Highlight cross-functional coordination experience
R&D team leads sit between lab work and business stakeholders. Your resume should show how you translated technical findings for regulatory, marketing, or manufacturing teams, not just what your team discovered.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists r&d team lead openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by stage not just sector
An R&D team lead at an early-stage startup runs differently than one inside a large enterprise lab. Filter openings by company size and funding stage so your application speaks to the actual environment you're entering.
Prepare a stage-gate or pipeline walkthrough
Interviewers for r&d team lead roles frequently ask you to walk through a project from concept to delivery. Prepare one concrete example that shows how you managed technical risk, resource constraints, and go or no-go decisions at each stage.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
R&D team lead offers vary significantly in what you actually lead. Before accepting, clarify headcount authority, budget sign-off limits, and whether you own the roadmap or inherit it from a VP. These shape your day-to-day more than title does.
R&D Team Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most r&d team leads?
The companies hiring the most r&d team leads right now include Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Kraft Heinz, with the largest share of openings in California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is strongest in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing.
How many r&d team lead jobs are remote?
About 35% of r&d team lead openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by industry. Software and data-driven R&D roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while roles in lab-based sciences, materials testing, and hardware development are predominantly on-site.
How do you become a r&d team lead?
Most r&d team leads move up from senior individual contributor roles after demonstrating the ability to coordinate projects across disciplines. Building your path means taking ownership of cross-functional initiatives before you hold the title, documenting outcomes in terms of timelines and deliverables, and developing skills in budget management and technical mentorship alongside your core research expertise.
Can I get hired as a r&d team lead with limited leadership experience?
Some employers will hire strong senior contributors into a first r&d team lead role if your technical depth is high and you can demonstrate informal leadership. Focus your application on projects where you coordinated others, led vendor relationships, or trained junior staff. Smaller companies and startups are generally more open to candidates stepping into their first formal leadership position.
What does the r&d team lead interview process look like?
Most r&d team lead interview processes include an initial recruiter screen, a technical interview covering your domain knowledge and problem-solving approach, and a behavioral round focused on how you manage teams, handle setbacks, and prioritize competing projects. Many employers also include a case study or portfolio review where you walk through a past project end to end, and a final round with senior leadership or cross-functional stakeholders.
Where can I find and apply to r&d team lead jobs?
You can find and apply to r&d team lead jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from companies across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your industry background, experience level, and location preference, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 1,697+ R&D Team Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find R&D Team Lead Jobs