Research Scientist- RF

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401(k) match

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

Life insurance

FSAs

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentives

Job summary

TAP Engineering LLC is seeking a Research Scientist - RF to support leading-edge research in RF engineering for future wireless systems, portable electronics, and RF ASIC design. The role involves technical leadership, development of experiments, and documentation of results.

The team concentrates on RF circuit design, EM modeling, and prototyping, with opportunities to contribute across quantum computing, microelectronics, and advanced materials initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in RF circuit design including schematic capture and layout.
• Proficient RF modeling using EM tools (CST, HFSS) and practical prototyping.
• Ability to translate research concepts into practical experiments and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide RF engineering research support, including experiments testing and documentation.
• Assimilate inputs from performers and analyze technical deliverables.
• Assist the government’s technical element in the management of the RF 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.

Skills

RF circuit design

RF modeling

Prototyping & testing

Tools

Altium

CST

HFSS

Job description

Position Overview

TAP Engineering is seeking an Research Scientist - RF 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 RF Research Scientist will support applied research in the area of Radio Frequency (RF) engineering with a focus on applied research in technologies relevant for future generations wireless communications systems, portable electronics, advanced antenna designs, power-harvesting, and RF Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design.

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 Radio Frequency (RF) 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 RF 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 the following :

• RF circuit design - schematic capture, component selection, layout using CAD tools (i.e. Altium)
• RF modeling using EM simulation tools (i.e. CST, HFSS), prototyping and test/characterization

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

• RF experience covering a broad frequence range, from several hundred MHz to millimeter wave
• Experience developing for future generation wireless communications systems and/or portable electronics
• Advanced RF antenna design experience (e.g., compact, flexible, and high sensitivity antennas)
• RF ASIC design, analysis and/or fabrication experience
• 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.