Research Scientist - Advanced Computing

TAP Engineering; Catonsville (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401(k) matching

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness incentives

Job summary

TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist – Advanced Computing to advance cutting‑edge research in quantum computing, advanced computing systems, photonics, and microelectronics. You will design, test, and report computational experiments, integrating end‑to‑end prototype systems to enable mission‑critical analytics.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and clear communication of complex concepts across teams, with responsibilities spanning

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Education and experience by level: Level 1–3 as described in job posting.
• Provide technical support and expertise in Advanced Computing Systems (ACS).
• Experience with communicating concepts across interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise in Advanced Computing Systems (ACS).
• Assimilate and integrate inputs from performers and analyze deliverables.
• Assist the government’s technical element in ACS portfolio management.
• Conduct technical writing and materials for presentation.
• Develop testing methodology and protocols aligned with program components.
• Coordinate technology development tasks and monitor progress vs. cost/schedule.
• Perform risk analysis and tracking.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Git

Verilog

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree

Ph.D.

Tools

C

C++

Python

Git

Verilog

Job description

Position Overview

TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist - Advanced Computing 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 ACS Research Scientist will support applied research in algorithms, architectures, and technologies crucial for future computing systems (e.g., resiliency, neuromorphic computing, machine learning and deep learning, modeling and simulation, high performance data analytics, memory and storage, runtimes, productivity, file systems, power, chip‑to‑chip Input/Output, and interconnects) and integrate end to end prototype systems to develop and test. In this role, you will contribute to the development, testing, and reporting of computational experiments that advance mission‑critical analytical capabilities.

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 Advanced Computing Systems (ACS), 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 ACS 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

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
• Education and experience by level:
• Level 1: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2+ years of related experience, Master’s degree and 1+ year of related experience, or 6+ years of experience without a degree
• Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 6+ years of related experience, Master’s degree and 6+ years, Ph.D. and 4+ years, or 12+ years of experience without a degree
• Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 12+ years of related experience, Master’s degree and 10+ years, Ph.D. and 8+ years, or 16+ years of experience without a degree
• Provide technical support and expertise in the area of Advanced Computing Systems (ACS), 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 ACS 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with appropriate polygraph
• Experience in the following: C, C++, Python, GIT, Verilog
• Experience in advanced computing systems research (experimental or theory)
• 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

• 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.