Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager
TAP Engineering | College Park, MD | Full Time
Clearance Required: Must be eligible to obtain a TS/SCI with Polygraph | Experience: 7+ Years | Compensation: $125,000 – $140,000

Position Overview

TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Project Manager to support leading-edge research and engineering initiatives across the physical sciences, including quantum computing, advanced computing systems, additive manufacturing, photonics, advanced materials, and microelectronics. This program supports a government research lab, and as a contractor, TAP is responsible for providing world-class research scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff to drive advancements that directly support national security.

In this role, you will support Government Research Scientists (Principal Investigators) in managing a technically diverse and geographically dispersed portfolio of research projects in partnership with academia and industry. The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of technical expertise and project management experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and flow down project requirements, both technical and programmatic in nature
• Develop and modify technical Statements of Work
• Develop, document, monitor, and report on research project plans, including cost, schedule, risk, and resource management, in coordination with research teams
• Develop and analyze forecasts covering technical performance, cost, and schedule, as well as overall project performance data
• Support logistics, planning, and coordination for meetings, workshops, technical seminars, and conferences
• Prepare, coordinate, and present monthly project status reviews to executive leadership
• Participate in cross-disciplinary Government/Contractor teams to assess and respond to urgent or unexpected project issues related to cost, schedule, and technical performance

Required Qualifications

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph (U.S. Citizenship required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Management, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience as a project or program manager, with demonstrated experience in:

• Requirements analysis and resource allocation
• Project costing and deliverable tracking
• Schedule and financial data monitoring and reporting

• Demonstrated technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Advanced Computing Systems (Computer Science, AI/ML, FPGA)
• Quantum Computing, Information Science, or Sensing
• RF, Optics, or Photonics
• Additive Manufacturing or Microelectronics

Benefits Overview

TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the whole employee:

• Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays — never use-or-lose
• Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing
• Medical Coverage: Employer-paid medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
• Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
• Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework
• Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support
• Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses

Clearance Requirement

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Polygraph, based on a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI/SBI). U.S. citizenship is required. Clearance and polygraph processing will be completed by the U.S. Government.
Factors considered for clearance eligibility include, but are not limited to:

• U.S. citizenship
• Favorable criminal history review
• Education verification
• Drug and substance use review
• Credit history review
• Subject interview

Additional Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.

TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.