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Applied Research Associates Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working under the supervision of the MedNexus Research Fellow and Associate Dean, the Research ... Experience working in interdisciplinary or applied research environments. Work Schedule ...

Structural Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

The Missons, Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for a Structural Engineer. This position provides operational, research and development ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to support on-going ...

Senior Project Manager

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$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 Aug 21, 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 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.

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Infographic showing various Applied Research Associates job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist

Berriehill Research

Nashua, NH • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessments (AMA) Division is seeking a Nuclear Survivability Scientist. In this role, you will support our initiatives in nuclear survivability and assessments and will be responsible for developing technology critical to the success of our projects as well as national security. You will do this by conducting hands-on M&S analyses of technical R&D problems for the nuclear weapon effects, missile defense, communications and space vehicle communities. Strong candidates will have a technical background in physics, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, theoretical chemistry, mathematics, or another relevant discipline. They will have a passion for exploring and learning the deeply technical aspects of nuclear weapon effects, high-altitude nuclear environments, nuclear survivability, modeling and simulation (M&S), nuclear physics, electromagnetic propagation, radiation transport, and system design and analysis. You will need the ability to obtain a Secret or Top-Secret DoD Security Clearance. This will be a hybrid schedule with the expectation of working 3 days in our Nashua, NH office.

What you’ll do as a Nuclear Survivability Scientist:

  • Perform M&S of high-altitude nuclear effects, radiation belts, command, control, and communication (NC3), and RF systems.
  • Use and support development of software applications and models in nuclear weapon effects, survivability, and ballistic missile defense systems.
  • Develop physics-based weapon effects models.
  • Conduct verification and validation (V&V) of models, algorithms, and results.
  • Present technical briefings, findings, analysis, and recommendations.
  • Conduct analysis of systems, sensors, communications, and assets that must operate in nuclear environments.
  • Conduct studies and trade space analysis for sensor performance.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist Requirements:

  • Degree in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics or similar field.
  • Bachelor’s with 5-7 years of experience or a Master’s with 3-5 years of experience or a PhD with 0-2 years of experience.
  • US citizen with the ability to obtain a secret or top-secret DoD security clearance.
  • Experience in M&S areas:, radiation transport, radiation hydrodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, shock physics.
  • Experience in software development with C++, C#, Fortran, Python, or similar language.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Bonus: experience with nuclear weapons software.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist Preferences:

  • Masters Degree in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics or similar field with 3-5 years of experience.
  • PhD in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics or similar field with 0-2 years of experience. 

Company & Division Information:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,223 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging and innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.