Contract Research Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Looking for a career in an industry focused on designing, developing, and rapidly deploying solutions to problems of national importance? Applied Research Associates (ARA) is seeking excellent scientists and engineers and has opportunities available immediately. ARA’s Littleton, Colorado facility supports research in the following areas:

• Acoustics – Human hearing/injury, ultrasound, signal processing,
• Physics – Sensors development, blast-structure interaction, modeling and simulation
• Impact dynamics – Terminal ballistics modeling and experimentation
• Design & Prototyping—software, electronics, mechanical systems
• Optical System R&D – remote sensing, laser analysis, spectroscopy, system design

Our work spans basic scientific studies through concept development and productization allowing us to transition our knowledge and prototypes to fulfill critical needs for end users.

We are currently seeking excellent candidates for a growing list of projects involving optics, critical materials, materials characterization, remote sensing, laser/material interactions, and sensor development in support of national security applications. These projects will require close coordination with subject matter experts and customers to develop novel research methods and optimize existing measurement capabilities. Candidates must be eager to learn, self-motivated and be able to work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders. Candidates applying for this position must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a security clearance. 

This position will initially support active contracts based on their skills and program needs. As a part of a collaborative research team, a successful candidate will pursue their passions with the freedom to expand their work to their areas of interest and expertise. As a team, growth in these new and existing areas will further expand our capabilities while serving our customers and end users.

What you’ll do as an ARA Staff Scientist/Engineer:

• Develop and leverage in-depth understanding of laser/optical testing and evaluation methods across a variety of research projects.
• Develop and validate approaches and prototypes to solve program-specific technical problems.
• Apply analytical techniques and utilize benchtop testing equipment to develop, troubleshoot, optimize, and document novel test methods and prototypes.
• Collaborate with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring clear and timely communication.
• In partnership with project managers and technical leaders, develop, plan, and execute research that aligns with client objectives/goals and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Serve as a technical expert and conduct research and development in spectroscopy, optical sensors, signal processing, and/or general optics.
• Contribute to technical writing, including reports, standard operating procedures, and proposals.
• Serve as a technical resource for other engineers and scientists within the company.
• Perform scientific modeling in support of project goals.

EDUCATION

• Requires B.S. or higher in optics, physics, engineering, materials science, or a related field.

REQUIREMENTS

• B.S. with 2+ years of experience or M.S. or equivalent
• US Citizen
• Currently hold or have the ability to obtain a security clearance
• On-site work at ARA’s Littleton, Colorado facility
• Periodic travel to other ARA offices, subcontractor sites, and customer locations
• Demonstrated ability to work well within a team and independently
• Experience in development of optical systems, signal processing, instrumentation, lasers and/or general optics
• General lab experience and safety awareness
• Proficiency using software tools for data collection/analysis such as MATLAB or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS

The ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following skills:

• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and/or conference presentations.
• Experience designing and conducting tests with laser, optical and electromagnetic systems, material / device characterization, and custom or commercial lab instruments for scientific research.
• Experience with high power lasers or plasma systems.
• Experience with spectroscopy, spectral analysis or spectral modeling.
• Data analysis using signal processing / data reduction.
• Experience performing and interest in executing contract/grant-based research and development relevant to National Defense applications.
• Demonstrated interest in leadership in areas such as writing new research proposals, development of new experimental setups and facilities, and/or being a mentor for other employees.
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Experience and/or proficiency with optical simulation and modeling codes.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting laboratory tests to answer hypothesis driven research goals.

For best consideration, please apply by August 31, 2026.

Expected salary for this position will range from $79,000 - $100,000 depending on education and experience.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned 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 2,200 professionals and continues to grow.

ARA offices throughout the country provide expertise across a broad range of engineering and science technologies. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. We realize 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; 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,” along with the ARA values (Freedom, Passion, Service, Growth), sums up the ARA experience.

ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees' needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/.