Research Scientist - Additive Manufacturing

Position Overview
TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist - Additive Manufacturing 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. This position will support applied research in advanced 3D-print additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, with a focus on direct-write technologies such as aerosol and syringe printing. In this role, you will contribute to the development, analysis, prototyping, and testing of novel 3D-printing processes, materials, and equipment. A key area of focus is printing electronic structures with dielectric and conductive materials (“inks”) to produce novel 3D circuits, such as RF antennas.

Qualified candidates will be able to envision and articulate new areas of research and novel approaches. This dynamic environment requires team members who are comfortable leading efforts, providing guidance, and transitioning those efforts for future development while continuing to monitor and engage in ongoing progress. The ability to serve as a non-supervisory technical leader is strongly desired, as is the ability to communicate concepts with clarity and professionalism. The research team includes cleared and uncleared research scientists at multiple seniority levels, depending on education and experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise in additive manufacturing (AM), 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 managing the AM research portfolio
• Conduct technical writing and develop presentation materials
• Conduct independent reviews 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 methodologies and protocols that align with program technology components
• Coordinate, align, and schedule technology development tasks, and continuously analyze technical progress against 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
• Experience in one or more of the following areas (the ability to identify current limitations and future improvements is preferred):
  • 3D-print material (“ink”) and substrate identification and characterization, including developing and conducting a Design of Experiments (DoE)
  • 3D-print equipment identification, operation, and characterization (e.g., FDM, SLA, LDS, Aerosol Jet, custom systems)
  • Manufacturing fabrication and test equipment identification, operation, and characterization (e.g., microscopy/inspection, metal fabrication, electronics assembly, environmental qualification)
  • Simple electronic circuit design (schematic capture, component selection, layout)
  • Mechanical design and drafting in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) of 3D-printed, machined, and molded components

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with appropriate polygraph
• Experience in 3D-printed electronics research
• Experience in RF circuit design, including custom RF antenna simulation and analysis (e.g., HFSS, CST)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment

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.