Advanced Manufacturing & Mission Realization Lead; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the R&D 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000-$215,900)
You will play an integral leadership role as part of a multidisciplinary team, facilitating transformation of innovative concepts into tangible, mission-ready solutions for national security applications. As part of the Mission Concepts (E-2) group, you will operate in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, and rapid prototyping, helping accelerate ideas from early-stage concepts through proof-of-concept and beyond.

R&D Engineer 4 ($153,600-$266,500)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, you will have experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and be able to communicate technical updates with senior leadership/external stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) and a record of authoring complex technical documents will set you apart.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience with complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
• Experience working with large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• Familiarity with project management tools for planning, resourcing, and executing work packages.
• Strong technical writing skills for authoring work planning and control documentation, with attention to operational and safety requirements.
• Ability to operate effectively in integrated R&D and operations environments, balancing agility with rigor.
• Excellent collaboration skills, including working under technical direction, partnering with peers and mentoring early-career engineers.
• Effective communication skills for delivering technical briefings and updates.
• Expertise in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering disciplines, guiding design, fabrication, and system integration.
• Experience with agile and additive manufacturing, including work with novel materials and processes.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
• Proven experience leading large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) for planning, resourcing, and executing work packages.
• Effective communication skills for delivering technical briefings to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong track record of innovation, publications, or technical contributions.

Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Master's degree in engineering and 12 years of related experience; or equivalent combination. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

• Strong background or demonstrated interest in robotics integration, including hands‑on implementation, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Experience supporting or driving digital transformation efforts, modernizing workflows, introducing automation, or improving data/process efficiency.
• Familiarity with metrology, precision measurement systems, instrumentation, or related quality‑assurance practices.
• A proactive, execution‑focused mindset, someone who is driven to get things done, can work independently, removes roadblocks, and delivers results reliably.
• Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams (engineering, operations, research) and communicate clearly about technical challenges and solutions.
• Comfortable working in fast‑moving environments with evolving priorities.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills and a continuous‑improvement mentality.
• Ac…