R&D SME & Innovation Leader (Top Secret)

PingWind; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eleven Federal Holidays

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Medical plan choices with employer contribution

Dental and Vision Insurance

Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

401k with competitive matching

Continuing education assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness benefits, including Calm Health app

Job summary

PingWind is looking for a Research and Development Specialist SME to provide expert-level knowledge and leadership in R&D initiatives. This role involves identifying technologies and supporting the transition of concepts into operations.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of R&D experience, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and DoD 8140 Certification. Benefits include generous health plans and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in R&D, innovation, or applied research roles.
• Expertise in software engineering, materials science, biotechnology, data science, or advanced manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and development of new technologies.
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and risk assessments.
• Ensure R&D projects adhere to organizational and regulatory standards.

Skills

R&D leadership

Emerging technologies identification

Feasibility studies

Prototyping and experimentation

Project management methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Life Sciences, or related technical discipline

DoD 8140 Certification

Master’s in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Life Sciences, or related technical discipline

Job description

Location: Multiple Locations

Required Clearance: Top Secret

Certifications : DoD 8140 certifications

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Life Sciences, or related technical discipline.

Required Experience: 10+ years of experience in R&D, innovation, or applied research roles.

Position Description:

PingWind is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Research and Development Specialist SME provides expert-level knowledge, leadership, and technical guidance in the planning, execution, and advancement of research and development initiatives. This role is responsible for identifying emerging technologies, designing and testing innovative solutions, and supporting the transition of concepts into operational or commercial applications. As a subject matter expert, the R&D Specialist advises leadership, mentors project teams, and ensures R&D activities align with organizational strategy and mission requirements.

Responsibilities:

Typical Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and development of new technologies, products, or processes
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends, scientific advancements, and competitive technologies
• Apply deep technical expertise to solve complex challenges and create innovative solutions
• Design, prototype, and validate R&D concepts through modeling, simulation, experimentation, or proof-of-concept builds
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and risk assessments for new initiatives
• Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned technical domains
• Prepare and publish research findings, reports, and technical documentation
• Ensure R&D projects adhere to organizational, regulatory, and ethical standards
• Participate in intellectual property development, including patents and technology disclosures
• Expertise in one or more relevant technical domains (e.g., software engineering, materials science, biotechnology, data science, advanced manufacturing)
• Experience with prototyping, modeling/simulation, and experimental design
• Knowledge of technology transfer, commercialization, or systems integration
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (Agile, Stage-Gate, etc.)
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• DoD 8140 Certification
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s. in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Life Sciences, or related technical discipline
  
  
  

About PingWind

PingWind is focused on delivering outstanding services to the federal government. We have extensive experience in the fields of cyber security, development, IT infrastructure, supply chain management and other professional services such as system design and continuous improvement. PingWind is a VA CVE certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and SBA HUBZone Certified with offices in Washington DC and Northern Virginia. www.PingWind.com

Our benefits include:

• Eleven Federal Holidays
• Paid Time Off accrued each pay period
• Parental Leave
• Three medical plan choices with generous employer contribution
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401k with competitive matching and vesting schedule
• Continuing education assistance
• Short Term / Long Term Disability & Life Insurance
• Medical, Dependent Care and Commuter Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits include Calm Health app and WellHub gym subsidy (formerly GymPass)
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
  
  
  

Veterans are encouraged to apply

PingWind, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities, terms and conditions of employment, or practices on the basis of race, age, gender, religious or political beliefs, national origin or heritage, disability, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by law

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.