Research and Development Specialist SME with Security Clearance

PingWind; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 Federal Holidays

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Health and dental insurance plans

Company paid disability and life

401k with matching

Job summary

PingWind seeks a Research and Development Specialist SME to lead and guide advanced R&D initiatives at Fort Meade. You will identify emerging technologies, design and test innovative solutions, and help transition concepts into operational or commercial applications.

You will advise leadership, mentor project teams, and ensure R&D activities align with strategy and mission requirements, staying at the forefront of industry trends and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in R&D, innovation, or applied research.
• DoD 8140 certifications required.
• Ability to design, prototype, and test R&D concepts.
• Experience with prototyping, modeling, simulation, and experiments.
• Knowledge of technology transfer, commercialization, or systems integration.
• Familiarity with Agile or Stage-Gate project management.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

R&D leadership

Emerging technologies

Modeling & simulation

Feasibility analysis

Intellectual property

Mentoring

Agile/Stage-Gate

Technical domain expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/Physics/Life Sciences

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Research and Development Specialist SME Fort Meade, MD Upcoming Work – FT. Meade / Full-Time / On-site 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.

• 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.

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.