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Research Project Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

TAP Engineering

Research Project Manager

College Park, MD · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Research Project Manager TAP Engineering | College Park, MD | Full Time Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph | Experience: 7+ Years | Compensation: $140,000 - $165,000 Position ...

TAP Engineering

Research Project Manager

College Park, MD · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Research Project Manager TAP Engineering | College Park, MD | Full Time Clearance Required: Must be eligible to obtain a TS/SCI with Polygraph | Experience: 7+ Years | Compensation: $125,000 - $140 ...

The Swift Group, LLC

Research Project Manager

College Park, MD · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

They are seeking a Research Project Manager to oversee contract performance and serve as the primary interface between government stakeholders and internal teams. Responsibilities : • Serve as the ...

The University of Chicago

Research Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Job Summary The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional ...

Elder Research

Project Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

Elder Research Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MANTECH international Corporation seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Project Manager. The Project Manager will drive technology and ...

Elder Research

Project Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

Elder Research Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MANTECH international Corporation seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Project Manager. The Project Manager will drive technology and ...

Riverside Research Institute

C-UxS PM

Arlington, VA

$150K - $225K/yr

Program Management Lead CUAS projects from problem curation through prototype execution and ... Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where ...

Cooley

Firm Operations Project Manager

Washington, DC

Extensively research and understand market relevance (and alternatives) and monitor for changing ... Certified Project Manager (from accredited program) and/or PMP credential * Experience with a suite ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Project Manager

Indian Head, MD · On-site +1

$135K - $150K/yr

The Algorithm Modeling and Assessment Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. is looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our team! This is an exciting opportunity to help support a growing ...

Cooley LLP

Firm Operations Project Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

Extensively research and understand market relevance (and alternatives) and monitor for changing ... Certified Project Manager (from accredited program) and/or PMP credential * Experience with a suite ...

Cooley

Firm Operations Project Manager

Reston, VA

Extensively research and understand market relevance (and alternatives) and monitor for changing ... Certified Project Manager (from accredited program) and/or PMP credential * Experience with a suite ...

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All JobsResearch Project JobsResearch Project Manager JobsResearch Project Manager Jobs in Washington

Research Project Manager information

See Washington salary details

$56.6K

$97.4K

$149.5K

How much do research project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for research project manager in Washington is $97,439.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, and research methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in managing research teams or studies. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana or MS Project), data analysis tools (such as SPSS or R), and compliance certifications (like GCP) is typically required. Excellent organization, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure that complex research projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with regulatory and scientific standards.

What is the difference between Research Project Manager vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Project ManagerResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often requires project management certificationsBachelor's degree in related field; may require research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates with stakeholdersAssists with daily research activities, data collection, and participant coordination
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, healthcare, and biotech companiesAcademic research labs, clinical trials, healthcare organizations

The Research Project Manager typically handles project planning, team management, and stakeholder communication, while the Research Coordinator focuses on supporting research activities, data collection, and participant management. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What do research project managers do?

Research project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of research projects, ensuring they meet objectives, deadlines, and budgets. They coordinate teams, manage resources, develop timelines, and communicate progress to stakeholders, often using project management tools and methodologies.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Project Managers when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Research Project Managers often coordinate teams comprising experts from various fields, which can present challenges related to communication, differing priorities, and aligning timelines. Successfully managing these dynamics requires strong interpersonal skills, clear communication, and the ability to mediate between stakeholders to ensure everyone is working toward shared project goals. Regular check-ins, transparent progress tracking, and fostering a collaborative team culture can help mitigate these challenges and keep projects on schedule.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Research Project Managers in many industries can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications, and in high-demand sectors. Salaries vary based on location, organization size, and project complexity, with senior or specialized roles often reaching or exceeding this level.

What is the highest paying job in research?

In research, senior roles such as Principal Investigator, Research Director, or Chief Scientific Officer tend to be the highest paying, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in specialized fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or data science.

What does a Research Project Manager do?

A Research Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of research projects within organizations such as universities, nonprofits, or private companies. Their responsibilities include coordinating teams, managing budgets and timelines, ensuring compliance with regulations, and communicating progress to stakeholders. They act as a bridge between researchers, administrative staff, and sometimes external partners, ensuring that project goals are met efficiently and effectively.

How much do research managers make in the US?

Research project managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Project jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Research Project jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Project Manager jobs in Washington? For Research Project Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Project Manager jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Research Project Manager jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Research Project Manager jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Research Project Manager job openings:
Research Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Project Manager job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,439 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Research Project Manager

TAP Engineering LLC

College Park, MD • On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Research Project Manager
TAP Engineering | College Park, MD | Full Time
Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph | Experience: 7+ Years | Compensation: $140,000 - $165,000Position Overview
TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Project Manager to support leading-edge research and engineering initiatives across the physical sciences, including quantum computing, advanced computing systems, additive manufacturing, photonics, advanced materials, and microelectronics. 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 that directly support national security.
In this role, you will support Government Research Scientists (Principal Investigators) in managing a technically diverse and geographically dispersed portfolio of research projects in partnership with academia and industry. The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of technical expertise and project management experience.Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, document, and flow down project requirements, both technical and programmatic in nature
  • Develop and modify technical Statements of Work
  • Develop, document, monitor, and report on research project plans, including cost, schedule, risk, and resource management, in coordination with research teams
  • Develop and analyze forecasts covering technical performance, cost, and schedule, as well as overall project performance data
  • Support logistics, planning, and coordination for meetings, workshops, technical seminars, and conferences
  • Prepare, coordinate, and present monthly project status reviews to executive leadership
  • Participate in cross-disciplinary Government/Contractor teams to assess and respond to urgent or unexpected project issues related to cost, schedule, and technical performance
Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph (U.S. Citizenship required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Management, or a related discipline
  • 5+ years of experience as a project or program manager, with demonstrated experience in:
  • Requirements analysis and resource allocation
  • Project costing and deliverable tracking
  • Schedule and financial data monitoring and reporting
  • Demonstrated technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
  • Advanced Computing Systems (Computer Science, AI/ML, FPGA)
  • Quantum Computing, Information Science, or Sensing
  • RF, Optics, or Photonics
  • Additive Manufacturing or Microelectronics
Benefits Overview
TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the whole employee:
  • 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: Employer-paid medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
  • Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
  • Insurance: 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
Clearance Requirement
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Polygraph, based on a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI/SBI). U.S. citizenship is required. Clearance and polygraph processing will be completed by the U.S. Government.
Factors considered for clearance eligibility include, but are not limited to:
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Favorable criminal history review
  • Education verification
  • Drug and substance use review
  • Credit history review
  • Subject interview
Additional Information
By submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.
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.

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