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Research And Development Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Research Scientist 2 (50% Telework)

Laurel, MD · On-site

$82.05 - $111.11/hr

Performs research, design, development, and implementation activities for technically complex AI ... Eleven (11) years' experience and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or other ...

Research Scientist 2 (50% Telework)

Laurel, MD · On-site

$82.05 - $111.11/hr

Performs research, design, development, and implementation activities for technically complex AI ... Eleven (11) years' experience and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or other ...

Research Scientist 2 (50% Telework)

Laurel, MD · On-site

$82.05 - $111.11/hr

Performs research, design, development, and implementation activities for technically complex AI ... Eleven (11) years' experience and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or other ...

R&D Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The company is led by a management team experienced across business, clinical, and scientific disciplines. Role Summary The Research and Development Engineer is responsible for planning and executing ...

The company is led by a management team experienced across business, clinical, and scientific disciplines. Position Overview: The Research and Development Engineer is responsible for planning and ...

Research Scientist 2 (50% Telework)

Laurel, MD · On-site

$113.03 - $153.07/hr

Performs research, design, development, and implementation activities for technically complex AI ... Eleven (11) years' experience and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or other ...

Showing results 21-40

Research And Development Scientist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$52.2K

$134.5K

$179.9K

How much do research and development scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development scientist in Silver Spring, MD is $134,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,100.00 and $178,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research and development scientist do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Scientist is responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments to create new products or improve existing ones. They work in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food science, and engineering, to drive innovation and solve technical challenges. Their work often involves collaborating with other scientists, staying up-to-date with scientific advancements, and documenting their findings for regulatory and commercial purposes.

What are some common challenges research and development scientists face when bringing a new product from concept to market?

Research and Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative ideas with practical feasibility, managing strict project timelines, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. They must also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including engineering, marketing, and quality assurance—to align technical advancements with market needs. Navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication to ensure successful product development and launch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research and development scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and experimental design, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software, and compliance with regulatory standards is essential. Creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for generating ideas and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation, ensuring experimental accuracy, and successfully developing new products or technologies.

What is the difference between Research And Development Scientist vs Quality Control Analyst?

AspectResearch And Development ScientistQuality Control Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Science, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Science, certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, product development teamsManufacturing facilities, quality assurance labs
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical, biotech, consumer goods companiesManufacturers, production plants, quality assurance units
Primary FocusDeveloping new products, improving formulationsEnsuring products meet quality standards, testing

Research And Development Scientists focus on creating and improving products through experimentation and innovation, while Quality Control Analysts ensure products meet safety and quality standards through testing. Both roles are essential in product development and manufacturing industries, often working closely but with distinct responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Research And Development Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Research And Development Scientist jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Research And Development Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Scientist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,512 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Riverside OverviewRiverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team.  As a key member of our Cognitive Intel Solutions (Sensors & Systems) group, the Director will pursue and grow applied R&D opportunities with IC and DoW customers (e.g. NGA, NRO, AFRL, military services, etc.), lead corporate-wide Independent Research & Development (IR&D) efforts and manage existing R&D contracts.  The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research offices while reporting to the Vice President of the Sensors & Systems Business Unit.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth
  • Provide technical direction, leadership, and management oversight of a substantial IR&D budget in artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Lead and shape capture and proposals, developing strategy to expand our existing technology baseline in alignment with the Riverside Research wide strategy and vision.
  • Significant customer interaction, initiating customer contact to create new business opportunities at DoD and IC organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, USSF, SDA, etc.
  • Collaboration across the larger Riverside Research organization to facilitate the development and transition of revolutionary solutions in important technology areas in the intelligence automation, system and sensor orchestration and sensor technology spaces, including machine learning/artificial intelligence, system integration, field testing, data collection, and software development.
  • Experience as a Principal Investigator for programs, setting technical direction and guiding teams in executing complex development projects that regularly involve multiple technical fields and cross-disciplinary work.
  • Grow the next generation of associate directors, managers, and scientists through mentorship
  • A leader that is responsible for developing consensus from among competing inputs to include customer feedback, diverse technical opinions, and team dynamics

Riverside has created a collaborative culture that stands apart from their competitors. With a strong business base, forward-looking vantage point, and growing internal R&D capabilities, the Director will be strongly positioned to grow his/her enterprise.

Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain SAP access.
  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years' experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience is typically required for an employee at this level, and 8 years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience in leading teams to solve complex technical problems, and developing and growing teams and an organization around a unified vision
  • Experience in new business capture, such as shaping program opportunities and proposal writing; preferred if experienced leading proposal efforts
  • Motivated individuals with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to perform a wide variety of related tasks, have exceptional oral and written skills, and experience presenting to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrated understanding of program management processes and ability to prioritize multiple, concurrent tasks with minimal supervision
  • An established professional reputation for excellence in customer support and program execution
  • Collaborative leader with the highest integrity and moral compass
  • Sound business judgment, keen conceptual skills, intellectual discipline, self-confidence, imagination, well-developed management skills, and the personal ambition to play a major role in the growth and success of a high-end government research and services company with a strong heritage for high quality and responsive service to its clients
  • Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications

  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years' experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD
  • Experience with automation of intelligence collection, orchestration, and analysis activities through software, particularly efforts leveraging Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLM's) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
  • Has an existing network of USG Customer contacts at DoD and IC research and development organizations, or has experience growing and maintaining a customer contact network
  • Demonstrated success in leading the capture of DoD and / or IC R&D opportunities at organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, DARPA, USSF, SDA,
  • Technology roadmap development experience
  • Experience with programming and scripting languages (e.g., Java, C++, MATLAB, Python, Bash)
  • Proven ability to lead a diverse organization across multiple sites
  • A minimum of bachelor's degree in related field (Engineering, Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, etc.) and several years of relevant experience required with strong preference for PhD degree.
Global Comp$000,000- $000,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.Closing Statement  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.Employment Type: OTHER