Staff Research Scientist

Prime Solutions Group, Inc.•Goodyear, AZ

1d•$142,000

About The Position

Shape the future of advanced research—turning ideas into mission impact. Prime Solutions Group (PSG) is seeking a Staff Research Scientist / Engineer to conduct advanced, independent research and help define technical direction across high-impact programs supporting U.S. national security. This is a senior individual-contributor role with technical leadership responsibilities, ideal for a researcher who thrives at the intersection of fundamental research, applied innovation, and real-world transition. In this role, you will lead research thrusts within defined domains, propose novel scientific directions, and solve complex, multidisciplinary problems. You may lead small research teams or technical sub-efforts under the guidance of PSG Principals, while collaborating closely with engineers to transition research into operational prototypes and systems. Why Join PSG? At PSG, you’re not just conducting research—you’re shaping the future of digital engineering and national security. We combine the agility of a small company with the impact of high-visibility government programs. We offer: Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits Professional development and tuition assistance A collaborative, mission-driven culture Real influence over technical direction and research strategy Direct impact on critical national security challenges Bring your curiosity, leadership, and research expertise to PSG—and help turn breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship
Active Top Secret Clearance (or higher)
PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., AI/ML, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field)
7+ years of post-PhD research experience or equivalent demonstrated expertise
Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and technical contributions
Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and execute complex research efforts
Proven technical leadership, including mentoring or guiding junior staff
Excellent written and verbal communication skills across technical and executive audiences
Experience leading or contributing to multi-disciplinary, multi-year research programs

Nice To Haves

Experience securing external research funding or leading proposal efforts
Track record of balancing fundamental research with applied outcomes
Experience leading cross-institutional or cross-industry collaborations
Familiarity with government-funded R&D environments (DoD, IC, federal labs)
Experience transitioning research into prototypes or operational systems
Knowledge of intellectual property protection and patenting processes

Responsibilities

Lead independent research investigations within one or more technical domains; formulate novel hypotheses and research directions.
Design, execute, and analyze complex experiments, simulations, or studies using advanced data, tools, and methodologies.
Develop new models, algorithms, methodologies, or frameworks within your area of expertise.
Publish peer-reviewed research, present findings at major conferences and workshops, and engage with the broader research community.
Mentor junior researchers, scientists, and interns; review technical work and provide guidance.
Lead technical sub-teams or research thrusts within larger multi-year programs.
Collaborate with internal engineering teams to transition research into prototypes, demonstrations, or deployable capabilities.
Contribute to proposal development, including technical writing, research planning, and capture support.
Evaluate, adopt, or develop new research tools, platforms, and experimental approaches.
Build and maintain collaborations with external laboratories, universities, industry partners, and government stakeholders.
Support intellectual property development, including invention disclosures and patenting efforts as appropriate.