Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline) with a GPA of at least 3.4/4.0.
7 years of systems engineering and design experience.
Proficient in Systems Engineering principles, requirements management, and risk management.
Experience with complex aerospace, propulsion, or test facilities.
At least 2 years of experience with Cameo Systems Modeler or equivalent SysML toolset.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Responsibilities
Provide expertise in test facility Systems Engineering, collaborating with Program Managers and Lead Engineers.
Support requirements development, trade studies, and system architecture for test facilities.
Review contractor technical data and designs to ensure compliance with requirements and safety standards.
Engage with contractors and stakeholders during technical meetings and design reviews to resolve issues.
Participate in test planning and execution, including travel to test sites for analysis and reporting.
Identify technical risks and assess impacts on cost, schedule, and performance.
Benefits
Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
Retirement savings plans with company matching.
Professional development opportunities.
Flexible work arrangements and remote work options.
Paid time off and holidays.
Full Job Description
We are looking for a systems engineer to support digital modernization efforts across multiple government facilities that provide rocket testing infrastructure. This role works closely with program managers and prime contractors to evaluate technical solutions, manage risk, and support milestone decisions. The position blends in office program execution with travel to support test and integration activities. An ideal candidate is a technically strong, mission-focused engineer who can translate complex test facility system details into clear, actionable guidance for program leadership while collaborating effectively across government and industry teams.
Essential Functions as a Staff Systems Engineer 2:
Provide expertise in test facility Systems Engineering to support a team, working day-to-day with Program Managers, Lead Engineers, and functional leads.
Support requirements development, trade studies, system architecture, and interface definition for test facility (development, design, integration, test, sustainment).
Review and assess contractor technical data, designs, analyses, and test plans to ensure compliance with system requirements, safety standards, and government intent.
Engage with prime contractors and government stakeholders during technical interchange meetings, design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), and working groups to resolve technical issues and risks.
Participate in developmental and operational test planning and execution, including travel to test sites, range activities, and post-test analysis and reporting.
Identify technical risks, assess impacts to cost/schedule/performance, and provide
Job Location: Position is remote; preferred location is Mountain View, CA, with alignment to the Mountain, CA ARA office or other ARA locations across the U.S.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
GPA of at least 3.4/4.0.
Required Qualifications:
7 Years systems engineering and systems design experience
Working knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, requirements management, risk management, and technical reviews.
Experience with systems engineering for complex aerospace, propulsion, or test facilities
At least 2 years of experience with Cameo Systems Modeler or equivalent SysML toolset
Ability to analyze contractor technical products and communicate findings clearly to government stakeholders.
Willingness and ability to travel in support of test and program activities.
Ability to perform requirements identification, analysis, documentation, and tracking
Ability to analyze customer needs and turn them into system requirements
Ability to work with customers in a test environment and lead meetings for requirements development and verification
Strong oral and written communications skills
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
Desired Qualifications:
Direct experience with digital twin systems (architecture, interface definition, roadmaps and implementation plans)
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
Familiarity with weapons certification and design testing processes
Facility requirements development (vacuum systems, steam systems, cooling water, high-pressure gas systems, exhaust/diffuser systems, structural systems, system interfaces, digital systems, data acquisition systems)
Experience with rocket motor operations (static test stands, rocket sleds, test sequencing and readiness, facility startup/shutdown, test conduct and emergency procedures, test data)
Experience with hypersonics applications
Experience with Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
Experience using other Systems Engineering applications for Requirements Management and Configuration Management
Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $90,980 to $145,000 USD per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. 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/
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.
