Principal R&D Engineer

Quartermaster • Washington, DC

22h • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary and accomplished Principal R&D Engineer to help drive the next wave of innovation at Quartermaster. In this role, you will partake in early-stage research and development initiatives focused on bold, high-impact technological undertakings that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the maritime technological realm. Your work will serve as the foundation for new product lines. This is a deeply cross-functional role for a highly technical engineer with a track record of creating innovation from research and conceptual stages.

Requirements

• Bachelors, Master’s, or PhD in Engineering or related field
• 8+ years in advanced engineering, with experience in R&D or new technology development.
• Deep expertise in one or more areas: Artificial Intelligence, Marine systems, 3D Printing, computer vision, vehicle autonomy
• Demonstrated track record of innovation, including patents, prototypes, or first-of-kind systems brought to life
• Self-directed, creative, and capable of translating open-ended challenges into structured technical execution

Responsibilities

• Lead exploratory engineering projects aimed at discovering new product concepts and proving viability
• Architect hardware and software systems that integrate foundational technologies to create never-before-seen solutions
• Drive the creation of intellectual property through technical innovation, invention disclosures, and patent filings
• Collaborate with leadership to identify long-term R&D focus areas aligned with strategic goals
• Conduct feasibility studies and experiments across lab and field environments to validate assumptions and guide development
• Evaluate new materials, components, and emerging technologies for integration into future platforms
• Document technical findings, prototype results, and architectural insights in internal memos and reports
• Act as a technical thought leader, mentoring engineers and contributing to cross-functional innovation culture
• Bridge research and product by collaborating with product and engineering teams during the transition from concept to development

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible work hours and the option for remote work.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree