Research Director Jobs in Texas
Research Director jobs in Texas are active across a broad range of sectors, including higher education, healthcare systems, technology, and energy, with demand at every level from newly promoted research managers through senior executive directors. The largest concentrations of openings are in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, where institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Instruments, and the University of Texas System maintain deep research operations. The most in-demand specializations in Texas right now are clinical research, market and consumer insights, and applied technology research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 34+ Research Director jobs
Standard Job Description
- Define & Execute the Tech Strategy – Partner with the LM Chief Technology Office (CTO) office and represent MFC on the LM Technology Council, Integrated Lab Enterprise, Intellectual Property Strategy Council, and multiple enterprise level technology steering committees. Craft roadmaps that move Applied‑Research innovations into MFC line‑of‑business (LOBs) programs and beyond. Identify the technical skills and resources needed to support current and future MFC programs. Develop multi ‑ year technology roadmaps that enable seamless transition of AR ‑ developed technologies into program ‑ level projects.
- Lead Collaborative Innovation – Lead collaborations with government labs, universities, small businesses, and internal Lockheed Martin business areas to mature, and transition new technology initiatives. Oversee the growth and operation of MFC Innovation Centers and associated facilities.
- Secure & Manage Funding – Develop and negotiate IRAD, capital, and overhead budgets; work with Business Development (BD) to develop Government Lab Penetration Strategy and establish a solid pipeline for acquisition of Contract Research and Development (CRAD)
- Build Rapid‑Prototyping Capability – Establish and sustain lab space, equipment, and processes for rapid prototyping of new technology initiatives
- Leadership and Culture - Act as the thought ‑ leader for technology innovation; drive change, inspire and guide the engineering community, mentor, train, and develop talent; ensure clear communication of goals and progress to MFC business area leadership to facilitate tech-transition and identify new technology needs and initiatives.
Basic Qualifications
- Proven track record setting vision and strategy for complex and diverse technical area
- Demonstrated success capturing and transitioning CRAD programs into significant new business.
- Experience executing complex diverse multi‑million‑dollar efforts
- Experience with technology forecasting and prediction.
- Proven business ‑ capture expertise—turning innovative concepts into win ‑ themes, targeting customers, developing comprehensive capture plans, and executing them to secure new revenue
- Demonstrated leadership of complex, cutting ‑ edge technology programs, with deep understanding of the unique technical, cost and schedule challenges inherent to inventing new technologies.
- Experience leading multi ‑ million ‑ dollar, technically diverse efforts from concept through delivery.
- Technical breadth across a range of engineering functional disciplines with strong, broad technical background in Missiles and Fire Control relevant technologies
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- Active Secret clearance with eligibility for Top‑Secret.
Desired Skills
- Strong leadership, communication, influencing, and consensus‑building skills with senior leaders and across diverse teams.
- Top‑Secret/SCI clearance.
- Broad technical background covering: Missile Technologies, Sensor Technologies, Autonomy/Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Technologies, High Power Microwaves, Secure Communications, Image Processing, Signal Processing, Advanced Algorithms, System Integration and Field Testing
- Leadership of >100 personnel and $40M+ budgets.
- Demonstrated proactive leadership style: ability to seek out and address issues at the right level in a timely manner
- Deep knowledge of LM corporate technology infrastructure and CTO processes.
- Outstanding decision‑making, organization, and attention‑to‑detail.
Pay Information
GeoZone Definition: GeoZones are geographic groupings created by Lockheed Martin to align compensation ranges with regional labor markets and cost-of-labor differences across the United States. Locations are assigned a Geo Zone based on the primary work location of the role.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 1): $180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Sunnyvale CA; Pal Alto, CA; New York City metropolitan area; Newark, New Jersey; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 2): :$180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Denver, CO; King of Prussia, PA; Stratford, CT; Moorestown, NJ; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 3): :$180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Dallas–Fort Worth, TX; Orlando, FL; Grand Prairie, TX; Marietta, GA; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 4): :$180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Camden, AR; Lexington, KY; Ocala, FL; Lufkin, TX; etc.
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.
Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Standard Job Description
- Define & Execute the Tech Strategy – Partner with the LM Chief Technology Office (CTO) office and represent MFC on the LM Technology Council, Integrated Lab Enterprise, Intellectual Property Strategy Council, and multiple enterprise level technology steering committees. Craft roadmaps that move Applied‑Research innovations into MFC line‑of‑business (LOBs) programs and beyond. Identify the technical skills and resources needed to support current and future MFC programs. Develop multi ‑ year technology roadmaps that enable seamless transition of AR ‑ developed technologies into program ‑ level projects.
- Lead Collaborative Innovation – Lead collaborations with government labs, universities, small businesses, and internal Lockheed Martin business areas to mature, and transition new technology initiatives. Oversee the growth and operation of MFC Innovation Centers and associated facilities.
- Secure & Manage Funding – Develop and negotiate IRAD, capital, and overhead budgets; work with Business Development (BD) to develop Government Lab Penetration Strategy and establish a solid pipeline for acquisition of Contract Research and Development (CRAD)
- Build Rapid‑Prototyping Capability – Establish and sustain lab space, equipment, and processes for rapid prototyping of new technology initiatives
- Leadership and Culture - Act as the thought ‑ leader for technology innovation; drive change, inspire and guide the engineering community, mentor, train, and develop talent; ensure clear communication of goals and progress to MFC business area leadership to facilitate tech-transition and identify new technology needs and initiatives.
Basic Qualifications
- Proven track record setting vision and strategy for complex and diverse technical area
- Demonstrated success capturing and transitioning CRAD programs into significant new business.
- Experience executing complex diverse multi‑million‑dollar efforts
- Experience with technology forecasting and prediction.
- Proven business ‑ capture expertise—turning innovative concepts into win ‑ themes, targeting customers, developing comprehensive capture plans, and executing them to secure new revenue
- Demonstrated leadership of complex, cutting ‑ edge technology programs, with deep understanding of the unique technical, cost and schedule challenges inherent to inventing new technologies.
- Experience leading multi ‑ million ‑ dollar, technically diverse efforts from concept through delivery.
- Technical breadth across a range of engineering functional disciplines with strong, broad technical background in Missiles and Fire Control relevant technologies
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
- Active Secret clearance with eligibility for Top‑Secret.
Desired Skills
- Strong leadership, communication, influencing, and consensus‑building skills with senior leaders and across diverse teams.
- Top‑Secret/SCI clearance.
- Broad technical background covering: Missile Technologies, Sensor Technologies, Autonomy/Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Technologies, High Power Microwaves, Secure Communications, Image Processing, Signal Processing, Advanced Algorithms, System Integration and Field Testing
- Leadership of >100 personnel and $40M+ budgets.
- Demonstrated proactive leadership style: ability to seek out and address issues at the right level in a timely manner
- Deep knowledge of LM corporate technology infrastructure and CTO processes.
- Outstanding decision‑making, organization, and attention‑to‑detail.
Pay Information
GeoZone Definition: GeoZones are geographic groupings created by Lockheed Martin to align compensation ranges with regional labor markets and cost-of-labor differences across the United States. Locations are assigned a Geo Zone based on the primary work location of the role.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 1): $180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Sunnyvale CA; Pal Alto, CA; New York City metropolitan area; Newark, New Jersey; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 2): :$180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Denver, CO; King of Prussia, PA; Stratford, CT; Moorestown, NJ; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 3): :$180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Dallas–Fort Worth, TX; Orlando, FL; Grand Prairie, TX; Marietta, GA; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 4): :$180000.00 - $325000.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Camden, AR; Lexington, KY; Ocala, FL; Lufkin, TX; etc.
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.
Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
See All 34 Research Director Jobs in Texas
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Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Gaming & Esports
- Science & Research
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across Texas.
- Doctoral or master's degree in a field directly related to the research area
- Minimum five years of progressively responsible research leadership experience
- Demonstrated experience managing research teams, budgets, and multi-year project timelines
- Strong record of securing external funding through grants, contracts, or industry partnerships
- Proficiency with data analysis platforms and research management software common in Texas industry or academia
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to executive or board-level audiences
Research Director Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in Texas?
Most research director roles in Texas require at least a master's degree, and the majority of positions in academia, healthcare, and regulated industries expect a doctorate in a relevant discipline. Texas does not issue a state license specific to the research director title, but clinical research directors working with human subjects must ensure their studies comply with IRB oversight requirements, and those in healthcare settings may need additional credentialing through their employing institution. Building a record of published work, grant awards, or large-scale project leadership is the most direct path to competitive candidacy in Texas.
How much do research directors make in Texas?
Research directors in Texas earn a median of about $129,960 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,200 for the lowest 10% to over $213,280 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in Texas?
Employers hiring research directors in Texas right now include Enverus, Texas A&M University, and Prairie View A&M University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Texas's concentration of major medical centers, public research universities, and Fortune 500 headquarters means sustained demand across clinical, market, and applied technology research functions.
Which Texas cities have the most research director jobs?
Houston, Austin, and Dallas account for the largest share of research director openings in Texas. Houston's dominance reflects its medical center complex and energy sector research arms, Dallas draws from its financial services, technology, and corporate headquarters concentration, and Austin's growth as a technology and life sciences hub has steadily expanded its research leadership hiring across both industry and university settings.
Are there remote research director jobs in Texas?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research director roles involve overseeing labs, clinical sites, or on-site teams. About 36% of research director openings tied to Texas are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote arrangements most often offered for market research, policy research, and data-focused research leadership roles that do not require physical lab or facility oversight.
How can I get hired as a research director in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from a senior researcher, research scientist, or research manager role within the same organization or industry. Large Texas academic medical centers, including those affiliated with UT Health and Texas A&M Health, regularly post research coordinator, research associate, and grants administrator openings that build the project leadership and compliance experience hiring managers look for at the director level. Completing a research administration certification and building a portfolio of grant applications or published studies substantially improves candidacy for first-time director roles at Texas universities and regional research institutes.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the Texas market. Search the listings for roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 34 Research Director Jobs in Texas
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