Vice President of Research & Development

About the Role

This senior leadership role is focused on shaping the company’s innovation direction and guiding the creation of new products. The Vice President of Research & Development will define the long-range R&D vision, advance technology capabilities, oversee product development, and lead a strong research and engineering function. Working with executive leaders and teams across the business, this position will help speed up innovation, strengthen product competitiveness, and contribute to long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement an R&D plan that supports the organization’s overall business goals.
• Direct all research and development activities, including product creation, engineering, technology assessment, and innovation efforts.
• Build long-term technology roadmaps that enable future products and business expansion.
• Manage the full product development process from initial concept to commercial launch.
• Partner with Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and executive teams to ensure products are delivered successfully.
• Assess new technologies, market developments, and industry shifts to spot strategic investment opportunities.
• Oversee the R&D portfolio by balancing innovation priorities, resources, timelines, and business needs.
• Introduce processes that improve development speed, product quality, and cross-team coordination.
• Provide technical direction for complex programs while managing risks and execution challenges.
• Recruit, coach, and grow high-performing technical leaders and encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Define KPIs to track R&D performance and organizational effectiveness.
• Prepare strategic updates and recommendations for executive leadership on technology initiatives and product progress.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Product Development, or another related technical field.
• At least 12 years of progressive experience in R&D, engineering, or product development.
• A minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles overseeing multidisciplinary R&D teams.
• Proven ability to lead complex products from concept to market launch.
• Strong knowledge of innovation management, product development methods, technology strategy, and portfolio oversight.
• Experience leading collaborative cross-functional teams in a fast-moving environment.
• Solid business understanding with the ability to align technical direction to company goals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive organizational change.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree or Ph.D. in Engineering, Science, Technology, Business Administration, or a related area.
• Experience leading R&D teams across multiple sites or geographies.
• Exposure to stage-gate development, Agile practices, or similar structured frameworks.
• Experience building intellectual property strategies, including patents and commercialization efforts.
• Experience managing R&D budgets and long-term investment planning.

What You’ll Bring

• A strategic leadership mindset with a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• The ability to convert business goals into practical technology and product development plans.
• Strong team-building skills and experience developing high-performing technical organizations.
• Excellent organization, project management, and decision-making skills.
• A collaborative leadership style suited to working across multiple functions.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Performance-linked bonus potential
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• Fully remote work arrangement within the United States

Equal Opportunity Employer

The employer is committed to an inclusive workplace where hiring decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and skills. Diverse perspectives are welcomed, and the environment is designed to encourage innovation, professional development, and long-term success.