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Government Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TAP Engineering

Research Project Manager

College Park, MD · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

This program supports a government research lab, and as a contractor, TAP is responsible for providing world-class research scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff to drive advancements ...

TAP Engineering

Research Project Manager

College Park, MD · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

This program supports a government research lab, and as a contractor, TAP is responsible for providing world-class research scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff to drive advancements ...

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$24K

$61.7K

$134K

How much do government research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for government research in the United States is $61,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Government Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Government Research, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in data collection and interpretation, and often an advanced degree in public policy, political science, statistics, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or SAS), government databases, and research methodologies is commonly required. Exceptional written communication, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help candidates excel when working on multidisciplinary research teams. These abilities ensure high-quality, impactful research that informs government policy and decision-making.

What is a Government Research job?

A Government Research job involves conducting studies, analyzing data, and providing insights to support policy-making and program development. Researchers may work in various fields like economics, public health, environmental science, or defense. They gather information from multiple sources, evaluate trends, and provide recommendations to government agencies. This role often requires strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and expertise in research methodologies.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in government research roles?

Professionals in government research roles often encounter challenges related to navigating complex regulatory frameworks, managing large or sensitive datasets, and adapting to shifting policy priorities. Working within strict deadlines and balancing multiple projects while ensuring data integrity can also be demanding. However, these challenges can be rewarding, as they allow researchers to develop strong problem-solving and organizational skills while contributing to impactful, evidence-based policy decisions. Teamwork and ongoing communication with stakeholders are essential for overcoming obstacles and ensuring research findings are relevant and actionable.

More about Government Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Research jobs? Cities with the most Government Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Research jobs? The most popular types of Government Research jobs are:
What states have the most Government Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Research jobs are:
Government Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,725 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
Government & Contract Research and Development Lead - R&D

Government & Contract Research and Development Lead - R&D

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 303 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

Job Description
Government & Contract Research and Development Lead - R&D
GM Research & Development is seeking a Government & Contract Research and Development (CRAD) Lead to expand and manage a portfolio of externally funded research programs with U.S. and international government agencies, national laboratories, and contract research sponsors. This role is responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities, leading capture and proposal activities, and securing funding that advances GM R&D Research Programs and enterprise priorities. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the government R&D ecosystem, demonstrated success in capture management and proposal execution, and strong cross-functional leadership skills.
What You Will Do
Strategy & Portfolio Development
  • Develop and execute a multi-year external research funding strategy aligned to GM R&D Research Programs, technology roadmaps, and business priorities.
  • Translate R&D program objectives and results into clear, compelling value propositions for government and contract research sponsors.
  • Partner with Research Program Leads, Lab Group Managers, and R&D leadership to prioritize opportunities that accelerate technology research and transitions.

External Engagement & Ecosystem Leadership
  • Lead GM R&D engagement with government agencies, national laboratories, consortia, and other contract research sponsors (e.g., DoD, DOE, DOT, NHTSA, NSF, DARPA).
  • Build and sustain trusted relationships with program managers, contracting officers, and technical counterparts.
  • Represent GM R&D at industry days, technical interchange meetings, and sponsor workshops; synthesize and communicate insights.

Opportunity Identification, Capture & Proposal Leadership
  • Identify and assess RFPs, RFIs, OTAs, and other funding mechanisms for strategic and technical alignment.
  • Lead capture planning, including concept shaping, partner and competitor analysis, and development of win strategies.
  • Serve as CRAD lead for priority proposals, coordinating cross-functional teams through proposal development, compliance, review, pricing inputs, and submission.
  • Ensure proposals clearly articulate technical approach, schedule, risk management, IP/data rights, and measurable outcomes aligned with sponsor needs and GM strategy.
  • Assess opportunities identified by the broader R&D organization and integrate into the process. Make recommendations about if proposals should be pursued, including working with relevant Research Leads on assessing the viability and priority of the proposal.
  • Work closely with the government contracts and compliance organization as part of proposal preparation.

Award Transition, Governance & Reporting
  • Lead transition from award to execution, ensuring clear roles, deliverables, and reporting expectations.
  • Track funded project performance against technical, schedule, and financial milestones.
  • Ensure compliance with export control, data handling, security, and contracting requirements in coordination with Legal, IP, Export Compliance, and GM Defense.
  • Maintain and report status of the external research pipeline and portfolio to R&D leadership.

What You Need
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, public policy, business, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in government-funded R&D, defense or transportation research, or technology-focused business development/capture.
  • Demonstrated success leading and winning competitive government or contract research awards (e.g., DoD, DOE, DOT, NHTSA, NSF, DARPA).
  • Strong understanding of government R&D funding and acquisition mechanisms.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex capture and proposal efforts under tight deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including development of technical proposals and executive-level briefings.
  • Ability to build and sustain effective relationships with government sponsors and internal technical leaders.

Additional Skills and Experience
  • Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., MBA).
  • Experience with vehicle systems, mobility, safety, autonomy, defense, or advanced manufacturing research.
  • Prior experience working within or closely with U.S. government R&D organizations or major government contractors.
  • Active or prior U.S. government security clearance; ability to obtain a clearance as required.

Additional Information
  • This role is embedded within GM R&D and works closely with Research Program Leads, Lab Group Managers, and GM Defense.
  • Travel: up to 20-30% for sponsor meetings, reviews, and key external events.
  • Location: Warren, MI or Mountain View, CA (hybrid work arrangements may be considered consistent with GM policy).
  • Position may involve access to export-controlled information and government-sponsored programs; compliance with all regulatory requirements is mandatory.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

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