Research Scientist - Microelectronics

Position Overview
TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist - Microelectronics to support leading-edge research and engineering associated with the physical sciences, including quantum computing, advanced computing systems, additive manufacturing, photonics, advanced materials, and microelectronics. The Microelectronics Research Scientist will support applied research focused on the design, inspection, analysis, manufacturing, packaging, and test of state-of-the-art (SOTA) semiconductors.

Qualified candidates will have the ability to envision and articulate new areas of research, exploration, and avenues for novel approaches. This is a dynamic environment and requires team members to be comfortable with leading efforts, providing guidance, and transitioning those efforts for future development, while still monitoring and engaging in ongoing progress. The ability to function as a technical leader (non-supervisory) is strongly desired as is the ability to articulate concepts and work with clarity and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise in the area of SOTA microelectronics engineering and research, including developing, testing and documenting experiments.
• Assimilate and integrate technical inputs from performers and analyze technical deliverables and reports.
• Assist the government’s technical element in the management of the microelectronics research portfolio.
• Conduct technical writing and materials for presentation.
• Conduct independent review and summaries of related technical literature and emerging technologies and participate in technical exchanges and workshops related to program technical areas.
• Develop and document testing methodology and protocols, ensuring they align with program technology components.
• Coordinate, align, and schedule technology development tasks and perform continuous analysis of technical progress in comparison to planned cost and schedule.
• Perform technical and programmatic risk analysis/review and tracking.

Required Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have experience in two or more of the following (the capacity to understand and determine current limitations as well as future improvements is preferred):

• Microelectronics Supply Chain: microelectronics hardware verification/security/trust/assurance, vendor selection, qualification, audit, procurement (i.e. domestic foundry interaction)
• Wafer-Level Design: digital, RF and/or mixed signal circuit design (schematic, layout), modeling & simulation of key circuit parameters (power, speed, timing, signal integrity, thermal, reliability, etc.)
• Wafer-Level Fabrication & Test: circuit patterning (i.e. ion implantation), wafer-level packaging (i.e. FOWLP), test/inspection (electrical test & debug, microscopy, metallurgy, failure analysis, repair), back-end processing (ink, grind/polish, dice, sort, inspect, etc.)
• Chip-Scale Design: digital, RF and/or mixed signal device packaging design/layout (2D-3D, chiplet/UCIe), substrate/interposer design (HDI, HDBU, EMIB), chip attach (epoxy, solder), chip interconnect (chiplet, flipchip, wire/ribbon bonding), modeling & simulation (power, speed, timing, signal integrity, thermal, structural, reliability)
• Chip-Scale Fabrication & Test: substrate/interposer fabrication, chip attach (epoxy, solder), chip interconnect (flipchip, wire/ribbon bonding), underfill, lidding, balling, tinning/forming, electrical test & debug, inspection & metrology failure analysis
• Hardware Programming: FPGA (i.e. Verilog, VHDL), Programming (Linux command line/scripting, Python, Java, and C++)

The research team includes research scientists at multiple levels, ranging from Junior to Principal depending upon education and experience:

• Level 1 - No Degree with 6+ years of experience; Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of related experience; Master’s degree with 1+ years of related experience
• Level 2 - No Degree with 12+ years of experience; Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of related experience; Master’s degree with 6+ years of related experience; or Ph.D. with 4+ years of related experience
• Level 3 - No Degree with 16+ years of experience; Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of related experience; Master’s degree with 10+ years of related experience; or Ph.D. with 8+ years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with federal research laboratories, academic institutions and commercial entities within the microelectronics ecosystem on collaborative research programs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently within a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment, preferred.

Compensation
The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000–$230,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and other applicable factors. The compensation range provided is a general guideline and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

Clearance Requirement

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with appropriate polygraph is preferred.
• For uncleared candidates, this position will require the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Clearance processing will be completed by the U.S. Government. Factors considered for a U.S. Government Security Clearance include, but are not limited to:
  • U.S. Citizenship (Required)
  • Favorable Criminal History Check
  • Education Verification
  • Abuse/Illegal Drug Use
  • Credit Check
  • Subject Interview

Benefits Overview
TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• 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: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
• Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
• Insurance Coverage: 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

Additional Information
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.