Position Overview
TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Program Manager 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. The Research Program Manager serves as overall program lead and the primary point of contact between TAP and the government customer. The qualified candidate is responsible for overseeing all contract activities across a technically diverse and geographically distributed portfolio of research programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Allocate and manage program resources, including staffing, facilities, materials, and funding
- Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training efforts for program personnel
- Develop, monitor, and report financial performance metrics, including earned value, estimate to complete, and funding utilization
- Review and manage the Integrated Program Baseline and resource-loaded schedules
- Identify, track, and mitigate risks and issues impacting program execution
- Prepare and present program status reports, technical documentation, and executive-level briefings
- Ensure compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and administrative requirements in coordination with contracts staff
- Provide input to Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans and Program Performance Reviews
- Coordinate logistics and planning for meetings, workshops, technical seminars, and conferences
Required Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI clearance with appropriate polygraph
- 10+ years of experience as a program or project manager leading technical programs valued at $10M+ annually
- At least 1 year of experience managing funds and resources using Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar reporting frameworks
- Program management certification (PMP, FAC-P/PM Mid-Level, or DAWIA Level II in Program Management)
- Strong knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), DoD 5000 series, and ICD 801 policies
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Program Management supporting a research organization
- Experience managing collaboration between federal, academic and commercial entities.
- Experience supporting new business development and capture activities for a business portfolio.
Compensation
The anticipated salary range for this position is $160,000–$195,000, 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
This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance with appropriate polygraph. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.
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.
Skills Required
- Active TS/SCI security clearance with appropriate polygraph
- 10+ years of experience as a program or project manager leading technical programs valued at $10 million or more annually
- At least 1 year of experience managing funds and resources using Earned Value Management or similar reporting frameworks
- Program management certification such as PMP, FAC-P/PM Mid-Level, or DAWIA Level II in Program Management
- Strong knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, DoD 5000 series, and ICD 801 policies
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Program management experience supporting a research organization
- Experience managing collaboration between federal, academic, and commercial entities
- Experience supporting new business development and capture activities for a business portfolio
What We Do
TAP Engineering (LLC) is a small, Maryland-based firm providing secure, trusted microelectronics hardware engineering, firmware development, and research support to the DoD, Intelligence Community, and commercial clients. TAP's engineers and research scientists have an average of 20 years' experience driving technology development from applied research to engineering development, prototype, test, production, and field support.
