Junior Scientist (Entry-Level)

Join our team as a Junior Scientist and play a vital role in the future of national defense and materials science. We are currently seeking motivated entry-level Junior Scientist professionals for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects provide our Junior Scientists with the unique opportunity to coordinate with explosives and munitions subject matter experts in support of research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. The most qualified Junior Scientist will be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders.

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 Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC-IH) and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

*This position is contingent upon the issue of technical instructions.

As a Junior Scientist at NSWC-IH, your position will include the following key responsibilities.

• Work on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative.


• Develop solutions to routine technical problems under supervision of senior engineers and scientists.


• Perform research, collection and collation of data from technical studies.


• Responsible for the compilation of data, and preparation of inputs into larger reports.


• Perform assessments and projections as part of analysis process.


• Develop technical reports, technical briefings and project deliverables.


• Solve uniquely complex problems, working under the direction of senior scientists and engineers.


• Conduct research and analysis on various substances (organic or inorganic) to determine chemical properties, composition, structure, etc., and to investigate potential applications for energetics and explosives development and production.


• Acquire in-depth understanding of requirements for process and facility design and development of 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.

Junior Scientist Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related scientific field with 0-2 years of related work experience.


• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.


• Proficiency in a range of analytical and technical skills that support the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.


• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.


• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments.


• Strong written and oral communication skills.


• Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam.


• Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

Junior Scientist Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials.


• Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly desired.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. Company Information:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices.

Anticipated Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000