Applied Research Associates Inc

Staff Mechanical Engineer

Applied Research Associates Inc$87K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field with 2-4 years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 0-2 years.
  • U.S. Citizenship; ability to obtain a security clearance.
  • Proficient in analytical and technical skills for energetic materials synthesis and scaling.
  • Experience managing complex projects with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and contractors.
  • Knowledge of process safety and material handling compliance.
  • Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of mentoring engineering teams.
  • Adaptability to high-pressure environments with shifting program priorities.
  • Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Lead safe and cost-effective manufacturing execution in collaboration with defense clients.
  • Understand design requirements for new manufacturing process installations.
  • Apply analytical techniques for process troubleshooting and optimizations, developing test plans to validate concepts.
  • Oversee project execution, including planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned to specifications.
  • Communicate design and testing requirements to equipment vendors and subcontractors.
  • Develop and execute project goals in partnership with project managers to meet client timelines.
  • Implement safety and quality programs, ensuring adherence to contracts and regulatory standards.
  • Create detailed process design documentation, including diagrams and operating procedures.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities in the national defense sector.
  • Collaborative work environment with federal defense clients.
  • Exposure to complex production and engineering projects.
  • Onsite work at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant to foster teamwork and hands-on experience.
Full Job Description
ARA's team solves problems related to national defense and security. We are actively searching for a Mechanical Engineer to join our team. The Engineer will assist senior level engineer 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). Engineers will locate, review, and verify Technical Data Packages (TDP), MIL SPEC/MIL STDs and resolve technical issues by submitting and tracking Request for Variance(s) for OR-99s, and ORDALTS. 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 McAlester Army Ammunition Plant and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

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

Requirements of a Mechanical Engineer

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related scientific field with 2-4 years of related work experience, or a Master's with 0-2 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 Mechanical 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: $87,000 - $115,000

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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