Senior Mechanical Eng. / Project Manager

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager for “Ohmsett, the National Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility” in Leonardo, New Jersey. Ohmsett is a unique facility focused on research, testing, and training in the areas of marine oil spill response and marine renewable energy. This position is on-site (at the Naval Weapons Station Earle Waterfront facility in Leonardo, NJ) with potential travel to other ARA facilities or relevant conferences. Candidates with experience in the design and fabrication/construction in the context of R&D test facilities are encouraged to apply for this position to become a key member of our amazing team.

As an ARA Senior Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager, you will support the Ohmsett Group Leader and work closely with ARA’s scientists, engineers, subcontractors, and government clients to assure that project and overall program goals are met. You will lead, manage and track progress of a wide range of interesting projects including construction/facilities maintenance and improvement, specialized equipment operation & training, and support of innovative research & development (R&D) efforts. As a part of the Ohmsett team, you will help provide vision for and solutions to problems of national importance. You will contribute to the development of technologies that are tested in a large outdoor wave tank or in other testing facilities at Ohmsett. By participating in or leading project planning and execution, you will help define the program vision, and help the team to deliver high quality project results that are accomplished within budget and time constraints.

About ARA and Ohmsett:

ARA is a 100% employee-owned company with 2000 employees working at locations across the nation. We pride ourselves on solving some of toughest problems for our clients, doing engineering and science that matters, creating exciting new technologies and solutions, and making the world a safer place. As employee-owners, we receive a comprehensive benefits package including competitive salary, health, dental, personal leave, holiday leave, 401k contributions and Employee Stock Ownership contributions. As employee-owners, we are all excited and motivated to see ARA succeed and help our clients succeed.

ARA’s Ohmsett team is based in Leonardo, NJ and includes a staff of passionate, dedicated, and dynamic engineering and research experts that operate and conduct tests and training events in one of the world’s largest outdoor saltwater wave tank facilities. ARA’s Ohmsett Team is committed to:

• Providing excellent service to the global oil spill response community and the marine renewable energy industry
• Operating and maintaining a valuable US government facility
• Enhancing Ohmsett’s reputation as a globally recognized International Center of Excellence for Oil Spill Response and Marine Renewable Energy

What you will do at ARA:

At ARA, you will be a part of team that conducts applied research, testing, and engineering. You will help conceive solutions, provide vision for new and ongoing programs, oversee the execution of interesting projects, work with our talented engineers and technicians, and help shape the future of technology. As a part of the ARA-Ohmsett team, you will

• Manage the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of existing and new equipment, test apparatus, and other unique Ohmsett facilities.
• Support and/or lead equipment testing, evaluation, and client training projects.
• Have daily interactions with other employees and subcontractors to assure project requirements are being met in accordance with statements of work, and contractual requirements.
• Plan and manage all phases of mechanical or systems design projects from concept through implementation.
• Ensure project requirements are defined, contracts and contract changes are negotiated, operating budgets are established, and financial terms/conditions of contracts are identified.
• Explore and solicit alternative options for products and services to maintain high standards and reduce expenses.
• Oversee projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that these new equipment or facilities meet contractual requirements.
• Monitor progress and spending on projects, estimate future spending, and refine plans to assure on time and on budget completion.
• Assist with or lead the preparation of project reports.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 10 or more years of relevant experience in Engineering Project Management
• Experience leading and mentoring small teams and helping team members succeed
• Ability to obtain Project Management Professional (PMP) certification within 6 months
• Demonstrated expertise in Solid Works for mechanical or structural design
• Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Project, technical writing and oral presentations
• Successful background check to permit facility access

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)