Top Secret R&D SME — Innovation Architect & Tech Leader

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

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.