Senior Mechanical Engineer 2

The Test Technology Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to provide a key technical role in weapons effects testing and build a lasting career with ARA. The successful candidate should have a background in Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics and should have a strong desire to grow their expertise, work with government counterparts to develop test and analysis programs and make significant contributions to team and division goals and planning efforts. The candidate will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic team environment with frequent client interaction that requires strong multi-tasking and communication skills.

The successful candidate will be able to build relationships with both Commercial and Government clients and prospective clients. They will be able to conduct business development activities and develop programs in conjunction with clients that result in contract work for ARA. They must have the ability to write winning proposals and develop cost proposals in a collaborative team environment will be essential.

The candidate will be instrumental in supporting planning and field testing for evaluation of weapon effects in a variety of scenarios. These tests are critical to the development of technologies that safeguard our nation from future threats. Testing is highly varied and includes CBRNE defeat and counter-WMD technologies. There will be opportunities to work with technologies in advanced energetic materials, ground shock, thermal effects, structural response, radiation detection, chem/bio defeat, 3D printing, and autonomous unmanned systems.

Program management experience is required, which includes managing cost, schedule, and performance. The successful candidate requires problem solving and innovative skills to meet test objectives. Test program support will require formulation of the experimental approach, development of experimental designs, successful experiment execution, data analysis, and technical reporting.

Essential Functions:

• Development and testing of weapons effects programs
• Conduct business development activities
• Proposal writing and leadership
• Ability to travel to and from test sites
• Ability to work both at the desk and in the field

Required Experience/Skills:

• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance
• US citizenship is required
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics, plus 10+ years’ experience
• Broad technical engineering / science capabilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well both within a team and independently
• Experience with field test planning and execution
• Program management knowledge in monitoring budgets, timelines, client expectations, and deliverables

Preferred:

• Background in defense-related test support
• Understanding of explosives and explosive effects
• Understanding of 3D printing with a focus on different printing techniques and materials
• Understanding of the general principals of radioactive and nuclear effects

ExperienceRequired

• 10 year(s): Relevant work experience

EducationRequired

• Masters or better in Engineering or related field

Preferred

• Masters or better in Physics or related field
• Masters or better in Chemistry or related field

BehaviorsRequired

• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject

MotivationsRequired

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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