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Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Southwest Division (SWD) is looking for an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join our Concept Development Group (CDG), located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  CDG boasts a multidisciplinary team of engineers performing research, development, and analysis and test for developmental weapon programs.  CDG creates designs for novel and legacy weapon systems for Department of War programs supporting our warfighters.  We offer a dynamic and challenging work environment that supports professional growth and development.

The Senior Design Engineer will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, development, integration, and verification of advanced mechanical systems and weapon subsystems. This individual will work closely with modeling and simulation engineers, systems engineers, analysts, test engineers, manufacturing personnel, and program leadership to develop solutions from concept through prototype demonstration and qualification.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled engineer with extensive experience in mechanical design, weapons development, design verification, prototype fabrication, and technical leadership.

Job Location: Albuquerque, NM or Shalimar, FL. Remote work may be available for the right candidate.

Essential Functions:

• Design, develop, test, handle implementation, and analysis of technical products and systems using applied engineering principles, including solid and fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Perform engineering design evaluations on weapons systems.
• Perform dimensional tolerance analysis and functional analyses.
• Procure, assemble, and test advanced prototypes to inform design decisions, refinements, and to demonstrate performance.
• Prepare and present designs at various design reviews using MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Produce other required design documentation.
• Assist in the development of requirements for hardware.
• Ensure designs satisfy requirements and demonstrate performance in a thorough verification and validation program.
• Perform trade studies for technology development.
• Analyze data and make recommendations for improvement.
• Understand nominal and off-nominal operations for a technical system and its interaction(s) with other systems.
• Manage multiple issues at one time and develop an integrated solution.
• Work with fabrication and manufacturing departments to ensure final design is properly executed in the creation of mechanical products.
• Be agile and willing to assist in all areas of the development process to meet project milestones.
• Mentor junior engineers and cross train other engineering fields.

Basic Qualifications:

• This position requires U.S. Citizenship due to the sensitivity of customer related information.
• Education: Must have a bachelor’s degree in the field of Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Years of Experience: Must have at least 10 years of recent and related work experience.
• Candidate must possess excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, leadership, and team working skills.
• Demonstrated skill in using computer-aided design (CAD)/drafting equipment and software in design work.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate well with peers and cross-functional teams and external customers.
• Produce product and structural requirements and designs
• Calculate dimensions, weight limitations and requirements in materials
• Describe production methods step-by-step (including equipment and software types to be used)

Required Skills: 

• Hands-on familiarity with Department of War components.
• Experience using established engineering principles in the design and development of life critical components for use in extreme environments.
• Experience with qualification and acceptance testing.
• Active SECRET Clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance
• Ability to navigate and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system behaviors.
• Good math and GDT&E skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, program management, and government customers.
• Able and willing to work in an agile development environment.
• Able to work both independently and in a team environment
• Able to clearly communicate, express, and understand complex information.

ARA’ Benefits Package Includes:  

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Various insurance options including Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid leave and holidays.  

Compensation Pay Range: From $109,200 to $182,020 USD per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. 

Company Details:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979 as the disco era was, thankfully, closing out and the personal computer era was beginning. We employ over 2,300 professionals and continue to grow. ARA 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 takes pride in having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawn’s greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities