Research Project Manager
TAP Engineering | College Park, MD | Full Time
Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph | Experience: 7+ Years | Compensation: $140,000 – $165,000

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

Active TS/SCI 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 current 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.

Research Project Manager

Multiple Teams