Junior Nuclear Engineer

ARA is seeking a nuclear engineer to provide technical analysis on projects involving radiation detection, as well as radiation transport, shielding and nuclear weapons effects. Much of the work is focused on gamma and neutron radiation, but our work can also include charged particle radiation, as well as optical and electromagnetic signals. The candidate should have a background in nuclear engineering, radiation transport theory and radiation transport Monte Carlo codes. The candidate should also have an understanding of source and types of radiation, radiation transport, radiation interactions with matter, radiation detection and modeling and simulation of radiation transport. 

What you will do as a Nuclear Engineer:

• You will perform test and evaluation of radiation detectors in the presence of radiation sources. 


• Much of the work will focus on gamma and neutron radiation but you may also model the transport and deposition of alpha and beta radiation, as well as optical and other electromagnetic signals.


• You will contribute to test planning and written and/or oral reports on the project. 


• You will conduct technical analysis to include running radiation transport codes and performing data analysis on the results. 


• You will work with a team of engineers and scientists to provide answers to technical questions. 


• You will guide User Assessments by government personnel using radiation detectors.


• You could perform other engineering duties as needed.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Required Skills

• Candidate must have a strong math, nuclear engineering or physics background. 


• Candidate must be able to work on a team. 


• Candidate must be able to develop test plans tied to published standards, executing testing in the field, and conduct data analysis for the final report.


• Candidate must be able to obtain a favorable background investigation, which will result in a security clearance. Some items considered for obtaining a security clearance are credit, felony convictions, prior drug use and current U.S citizenship (does not include green card). Employment is contingent upon the successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance granted by the sponsoring agency. 

Required Experience

• B.S. and 0-2 years of related experience. Degree must be in nuclear engineering, physics or closely related discipline. 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with radiation detectors a strong consideration.


• Experience with radiation transport computer codes, especially MCNP.


• Undergraduate degree with ABET accreditation.


• M.S. degree in nuclear engineering, physics or closely related discipline.


• Current DOD or DOE security clearance. 


• Familiarity with computer programming languages such as Python, FORTRAN, C++, or Java. 

Company & Division Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,000 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging and innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices