Applied Research Associates Inc

Senior Propellant Engineer

Applied Research Associates Inc$130K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in mechanical/aerospace engineering (8-10 years experience) or Master's (6-8 years) as a Propellant Engineer.
  • U.S. Citizenship required with ability to obtain a security clearance.
  • Proficient in analytical and technical skills for energetic materials synthesis and monitoring.
  • Experience managing complex projects with diverse stakeholders like government agencies and contractors.
  • Knowledge in process safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to thrive in high-pressure, dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

  • Lead safe, cost-effective execution of manufacturing in complex environments.
  • Understand design requirements for new manufacturing processes.
  • Use analytical techniques for process development and optimization.
  • Oversee project execution, planning, scheduling, and procurement.
  • Collaborate with vendors to communicate design and testing requirements.
  • Work with project managers to align client objectives with deliverables.
  • Monitor safety and quality programs to ensure compliance with standards.
  • Produce detailed process design documentation for facilities.

Benefits

  • Full-time onsite position, fostering team collaboration and communication.
  • Direct involvement with federal defense clients.
  • Opportunity to mentor junior personnel and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Involvement in complex, high-impact projects within the defense sector.
Full Job Description
We are actively searching for a Senior Propellant Engineer to join our team. The Senior Engineer will perform project engineering duties such as preparation of cost proposals, planning project execution, providing technical oversight and solutions, preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), preparing Quality Project Plans (QPPs) and Alternate Control Plans (ACPs). The Senior Engineer will assist and train junior personnel and help make critical cast propellant technical decisions. Also responsible for making critical facility decisions on Energetics Comprehensive Facility Decisions (ECMP) projects.

Work Environment Details: The duties of this role must be performed entirely onsite within a high-activity environment that features standard industrial/office lighting and ambient noise. Because continuous proximity to the team and operations is an essential function of the position, certain workspace modifications-such as isolating the worker in a quiet, dimly lit, or entirely private office-cannot be accommodated while fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.

Employment is contingent upon the successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance, granted by the sponsoring agency.

Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be US citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

Requirements of a Senior Engineer

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with 8-10 years of experience as a Propellant Engineer or closely related field, or a Master's with 6-8 years of experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
  • Proven proficiency in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
  • Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
  • Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam.
  • Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.


Responsibilities of a Senior Engineer

  • Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.
  • Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
  • Apply analytical techniques to support process development, troubleshooting, and optimization. Assist in development test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.
  • Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications. Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
  • Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
  • In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables. Participate in regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
  • Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.
  • Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.


Anticipated Salary Range: $130,000 - $145,000

About Applied Research Associates Inc

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned research and engineering company that provides technical solutions to complex problems in various fields, including defense, homeland security, intelligence, transportation, and energy. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. ARA has over 1,600 employees and operates from more than 20 locations across the United States and Canada. The company's services include research and development, engineering, testing and evaluation, and consulting.
Learn more about Applied Research Associates Inc
Size
1,600 employees
Industry
Founded
1979

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