Expansion could bring 300 jobs

Military fighters abroad may face scorching temperatures, remote and secluded terrain and a cyberspace that's flush with ill-intentioned hackers. But their computer networks and operating systems still need to function, providing a link to the outside world and potentially crucial bits of information.

That's where local workers at Scientific Research Corp. step in to play a key role in the U.S. Department of Defense's mission.

Workers at the company's North Charleston office take commercially developed computer systems and adapt them for harsh conditions, said James Ward, senior vice president. Their work also plays a growing role in the military's efforts to handle what Ward called "cyber warfare."

On Tuesday, the company announced a $4 million expansion that could create 300 local jobs during the next five years. The new employees, most of whom will have engineering backgrounds and technical skills, will report to the company's office building on Remount Road.

"The demand for what we do is increasing," Ward said.

Scientific Research's overall business operations cover military-related communications, intelligence, simulation and training. The company also supports other branches of government, such as the State Department and the Department of Justice.

Its largest local customer is the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, a high-tech command that provides technology services for the military and other government customers. Ward is a former executive director of the organization.

Through an agreement with the state, Scientific Research was approved for incentives through a job development credit program that refunds a portion of withholding taxes as the company's payroll grows.

Gov. Mark Sanford welcomed the addition of more highly skilled jobs but pointed out the importance of another recent economic development effort involving Florida-based tire importer TBC Corp., which will create about 100 distribution-related jobs at a 1.1 million-square-foot distribution center to be built near Summerville. Those type of jobs aren't as high-paying but help balance the state's economy, he said.

Reach Katy Stech at kstech@postandcourier.com or 937-5549.