Research Scientist - Additive Manufacturing

TAP Engineering • College Park, MD

9d • $80,000 - $230,000

About The Position

TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist to support applied research in advanced 3D-print additive manufacturing (AM), focusing on direct-write technologies such as aerosol and syringe printing. The role contributes to developing, analyzing, prototyping, and testing novel 3D-printing processes, materials, and equipment. A key focus is printing electronic structures using dielectric and conductive materials (“inks”) to produce novel 3D circuits, such as RF antennas.

The position calls for candidates who can envision and articulate new research areas and approaches. Team members may lead efforts, provide guidance, transition efforts for future development, and continue to monitor ongoing progress. Serving as a non-supervisory technical leader and communicating concepts clearly and professionally are strongly desired. The research team includes cleared and uncleared scientists at multiple seniority levels, depending on education and experience.

The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance. The anticipated salary range is $80,000–$230,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and other applicable factors; this range is a general guideline and not a guarantee.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Meet the education and experience requirements for one of the stated levels: Level 1—related bachelor’s degree 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—related bachelor’s degree and 6+ years, master’s degree and 6+ years, Ph.D. and 4+ years, or 12+ years without a degree; Level 3—related bachelor’s degree and 12+ years, master’s degree and 10+ years, Ph.D. and 8+ years, or 16+ years without a degree.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: identification and characterization of 3D-print materials (inks) and substrates, including developing and conducting a Design of Experiments (DoE); identification, operation, and characterization of 3D-print equipment; identification, operation, and characterization of manufacturing fabrication and test equipment; simple electronic circuit design; or mechanical design and drafting in CAD.
• Ability to identify current limitations and future improvements in relevant technical areas is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• 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 using tools such as HFSS or CST.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to identify current limitations and future improvements in relevant technical areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise in additive manufacturing, 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 additive manufacturing 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 aligned 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.

Benefits

• 15–25 days of paid time off annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays.
• Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing.
• Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents.
• Employer-paid dental and vision plans with optional enhancements.
• Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework.
• Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support.
• Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level