Associate Backend Developer Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

If you are an experienced engineer who enjoys solving ambiguous problems of national importance and wants to shape how complex systems are built and integrated, this role is for you. You will work in a stable environment that rewards initiative, learning, ingenuity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. We are seeking a Software Engineer to help develop software that connects physics-based Modeling and Simulation (M&S) tools in a Digital Engineering environment. You will build and integrate software used throughout the warfighting capability development cycle, from early prototypes through testing and fielding, for Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

In this role, you will take high-level program goals and turn them into concrete technical plans for connecting engagement, mission, and campaign analysis tools. You will design data models, integration patterns, and APIs that allow M&S tools and analysis capabilities to work together effectively. You will be expected to create structure from ambiguity, identify the next most important work, and help guide the technical direction of parts of our Digital Engineering environment.

Senior Software Engineer Responsibilities:

• Help lead the design and implementation of software that connects physics-based M&S tools and analysis capabilities in a Digital Engineering environment.
•  Define and evolve schemas and data flows to move simulation and analysis results between tools (e.g., relational, document, or graph data models or message queueing strategies).
• Design and implement APIs (e.g., REST or gRPC) and integration patterns that enable robust, scalable connections between tools.
• Regularly propose and execute de-risking prototypes to explore ideas, clarify requirements, and reduce technical uncertainty before making design commitments.
• Take high-level objectives from PMs/PIs/technical leads and independently propose technical approaches, plans, and milestones.
• Help shape the technical roadmap for parts of our Digital Engineering environment, including identifying gaps, proposing improvements, and prioritizing integration work.
• Contribute to engineering practices across the team through design discussions, code reviews, and mentorship of less-experienced engineers.

Senior Software Engineer Position Requirements: 

• U.S. Citizenship
• The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
• BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, computer science, physics, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
• 8+ years relevant work experience with BS
• 6+ years relevant work experience with MS

• Proven experience with programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C++, or TypeScript) for software development and/or data analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to turn ambiguous goals into concrete technical plans, including breaking down work, identifying risks, and selecting appropriate tools and approaches.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work closely with domain experts and technical leadership to refine goals and designs.

Senior Software Engineer Preferences: 

Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact. 

• Experience with backend web frameworks and RESTful API development.
• Experience developing plugins and/or functionality for DevSecOps, MBSE, or PLM tools.
• Familiarity Systems Modeling Language (SysML) v2 and especially the API and Services specification.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies and platforms (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, AWS).
• Substantive experience in simulating a war fighting domain, e.g., electromagnetic spectrum operations.
• Existing DoD security clearance

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 2,200 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. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.  

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