Applied Research Associates Inc

Staff Mechanical Engineer

Applied Research Associates Inc • $105K — $123K *
Arlington, VA 22204In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • 5+ years in mechanical design roles.
  • Proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD for engineering design.
  • Strong expertise in GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
  • Experienced in FEA/simulation for design validation.
  • Skilled in utilizing a PDM system for managing CAD files.
  • Eligible for U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Design equipment and interfaces for chemical manufacturing and unmanned systems.
  • Create 3D models in SolidWorks and 2D drawings in AutoCAD.
  • Develop detailed drawing packages ready for manufacturing.
  • Conduct structural and mechanical analysis to validate designs.
  • Manage CAD data revisions effectively using a PDM system.
  • Collaborate with engineers to meet process and DoD standards.
  • Lead and participate in design reviews and technical meetings.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with occasional travel requirements.
  • Supportive environment for mentorship and professional development.
Full Job Description
ARA is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to support the design of equipment, tooling, and equipment interfaces for energetics chemical manufacturing systems and unmanned systems (UxS) programs supporting U.S. Government customers. This role spans a broad range of mechanical design applications, from process equipment and facility integration to mobile/field hardware platforms. The ideal candidate is an expert in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, capable of taking concepts through detailed design and producing release-quality drawings for manufacturing and assembly. The salary range is between $105K - $123K. This is a hybrid position with occasional travel to Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD (15% travel).

Key Responsibilities

  • Design mechanical equipment, components, and equipment-to-facility interfaces for chemical/energetic material manufacturing systems and unmanned systems hardware.
  • Develop 3D models and assemblies in SolidWorks and produce 2D drawings/layouts in AutoCAD.
  • Create manufacturing- and assembly-ready drawing packages, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
  • Perform structural and mechanical analysis (FEA) to validate designs for strength, fatigue, and operational loading.
  • Manage CAD data and revisions through a PDM system (e.g., SolidWorks PDM/Vault).
  • Coordinate with chemical and process engineers to align equipment design with process requirements and DoD facility standards.
  • Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and site visits with government customers at Indian Head, MD.
  • Generally consider hazard classification, explosive safety, and facility siting requirements when designing equipment for energetic material applications.
  • Provide informal technical mentorship to junior engineers on design practices, drafting standards, and tools.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • 5+years of relevant mechanical design experience.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in SolidWorks (modeling, assemblies, drawings) and AutoCAD.
  • Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
  • Experience with FEA/simulation tools for mechanical design validation.
  • Experience using a PDM system for CAD data management.
  • Ability to produce drawing packages suitable for manufacturing and assembly release.
  • U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
  • Willingness to travel regularly between Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Masters in Mechanical Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant mechanical design experience.
  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 0-2 years of relevant mechanical design experience.
  • Experience designing equipment for chemical processing, energetics, or hazardous material manufacturing environments.
  • Familiarity with DoD facility design standards (UFC) and explosive safety requirements.
  • Experience supporting unmanned systems (UxS) hardware design.
  • Prior experience interfacing directly with government program offices or customers.


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
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
1979
* Ladders Estimates

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