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Applied Research Associates Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director of Applied Research & Policy

$112K - $163K/yr

Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer, the Director establishes research priorities, oversees applied research projects, supervises the Applied Research & Policy Associate and future Research ...

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 ...

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How much do applied research associates jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for applied research associates in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Applied Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applied Research Associate, you need a strong background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a Master's or Ph.D. in a technical field. Familiarity with statistical software, programming languages like Python or R, and research management systems is commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for advancing research objectives, generating innovative solutions, and clearly conveying complex findings to diverse stakeholders.

How do Applied Research Associates typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on complex projects?

Applied Research Associates frequently work alongside multidisciplinary teams that may include engineers, scientists, project managers, and clients. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential, as these professionals often translate technical research findings into practical solutions and actionable project recommendations. Regular meetings, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and shared digital workspaces are common in this environment, ensuring alignment on goals and progress. Building strong relationships with team members helps streamline project workflows and fosters innovative solutions to complex challenges.

What is the difference between Applied Research Associates vs Research Scientist?

AspectApplied Research AssociatesResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in engineering, science, or related fields; often requires security clearancesTypically holds a Master's or Ph.D. in a specialized scientific field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government agencies, defense contractors, fieldworkAcademic institutions, research labs, government agencies
Employer & IndustryPrimarily defense, aerospace, government, and industrial sectorsUniversities, research institutions, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonApplied Research Associates vs Research Scientist

Applied Research Associates and Research Scientists both conduct research but differ mainly in their focus and work environment. Applied Research Associates often work on applied projects in defense and industry, requiring practical solutions, while Research Scientists typically focus on fundamental research in academic or government labs. Credentials and work settings also vary, with applied roles emphasizing engineering and security clearances, and research roles emphasizing advanced degrees in scientific fields.

What are Applied Research Associates?

Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a company that provides scientific and engineering solutions for various industries, including defense, security, healthcare, and energy. The company specializes in applied research, technology development, and consulting services. ARA employs experts in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics to solve complex real-world problems for government and commercial clients. Their work often involves developing innovative technologies, conducting advanced research, and providing technical expertise for a wide range of projects.
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Applied Research Associates jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Research Associates job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Mid Research Scientist - Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Berriehill Research

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Analytical and Spatial Intelligence Research Team (ASIRT) at Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking scientists/researchers interested in developing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and computer vision software to solve challenging problems for the US defense and intelligence communities. We perform fundamental and applied research in many open areas, including GenAI, Agentic AI Systems, Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision Language Models (VLMs), backbone fine tuning, AI explainability, adversarial attacks and World Models. We are a close-knit team of creative thinkers from diverse backgrounds who collaborate to find non-standard solutions to challenging problems. We encourage candidates with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit who seek a research career within a stable industry to apply.  

Mid Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Highlights: 

  • Research, develop, test and deploy artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision software.  
  • Process and integrate data from different sources, including satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles, human-wearables, and smart devices  
  • Enjoy a challenging technical career with opportunities for personal growth  
  • Team player able to communicate technical results effectively to others  
  • Position is located in the Raleigh, NC metropolitan area  

Mid Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Required Experience & Skills:  

  • US citizenship required(green card holders are not eligible for this position)  
  • Eligibility to apply for and hold a U.S. security clearance (selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment)  
  • BS Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar technical field along with 5-7 years of experience OR MS degree with 3-5 years of experience 
  • Strong foundation and experience using AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and software libraries (jax, scikit-learn, hugging-face, ollama, langchain, langgraph, or similar)  
  • Experience in software development in Python and C/C++  
  • Solid mathematical background in linear algebra and probability theory  
  • Experience working with AWS cloud computing  
  • Experience with collaborative software development and version control (Git)  
  • Proficiency in one of the following areas: mathematics, physics, robotics, sensor fusion, machine learning, computer vision or signal processing 

Staff Research Scientist – Artificial Intelligence Engineer Position Desirable Experience & Skills:  

  • Experience working with AWS, S3, Docker and Kubernetes   
  • Experience developing software for execution on edge devices (GPUs, mobile phones, deployed CPU)  
  • Experience working with and flying Class I unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)  
  • Experience writing technical proposals  
  • Experience working on intelligence and DoD programs  

Who is ARA? 

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,226 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. 

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. 

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/ 

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