Senior Research and Development Specialist with Security Clearance

PingWind; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Health Insurance

Dental & Vision

401k

Job summary

PingWind is seeking a Senior Research and Development Specialist to lead advanced research initiatives across multiple locations, including DoD-focused projects. The role requires top-secret clearance, strong leadership, and expertise in prototyping, modeling, and experimental design.

You will guide teams, assess new technologies, and help transition concepts to practical applications. The position emphasizes innovation, regulatory alignment, and collaboration with leadership to drive

Qualifications

• DoD 8140 Certification desired.
• Master’s in engineering, CS, physics, life sciences, or related field.
• 8+ years in R&D, innovation or applied research.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and development of new technologies or processes.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitive tech.
• Design, prototype, and validate R&D concepts via modeling and experiments.
• Perform feasibility studies and risk assessments for new initiatives.
• Serve as SME for assigned technical domains.
• Prepare and publish research findings and reports.
• Ensure R&D projects meet regulatory and ethical standards.
• Support IP development including patents and disclosures.

Skills

Prototyping

Modeling

Experimental design

Agile

Stage-Gate

Technology scouting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Life Sciences

Master’s degree in Engineering/CS/Physics/Life Sciences

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

Senior Research and Development Specialist Multiple Locations Upcoming Work – FT. Meade / Remote 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: 8 years of experience in R&D, innovation, or applied research roles. Position Description: PingWind is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Senior Research and Development Specialist 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.

Primary 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 cybersecurity, 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) 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.