Nuclear Survivability Scientist

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessments (AMA) Division is seeking a Nuclear Survivability Scientist. In this role, you will support our initiatives in nuclear survivability and assessments and will be responsible for developing technology critical to the success of our projects as well as national security. You will do this by conducting hands-on M&S analyses of technical R&D problems for the nuclear weapon effects, missile defense, communications and space vehicle communities. Strong candidates will have a technical background in mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. They will have a passion for exploring and learning the deeply technical aspects of nuclear weapon effects, high-altitude nuclear environments, nuclear survivability, modeling and simulation (M&S), nuclear physics, electromagnetic propagation, and system design and analysis. Successful candidates will need an active TS/SCI clearance. This will be a hybrid schedule with the expectation of working 3 days in either our Nashua, NH or Niceville, FL office.

What you’ll do as a Nuclear Survivability Scientist:

• Perform M&S of high-altitude nuclear effects, radiation belts, command, control, and communication (NC3), and RF communication systems.


• Use and support development of software applications and models in nuclear weapon effects, survivability, and ballistic missile defense systems.


• Develop physics-based weapon effects models.


• Conduct verification and validation (V&V) of models, algorithms, and results and prepare technical documentation.


• Present technical briefings, findings, analysis, and recommendations.


• Conduct analysis of systems, sensors, communications, and assets that must operate in nuclear environments.


• Conduct studies and trade space analysis for sensor performance.


• Mentor junior staff on technical tasks and track high level project timelines.


• Contribute to peer review of team members’ findings and reports.


• Communicate with customers to identify and suggest priorities and timelines.


• Develop requirements and standards for system and personnel survivability.


• Identify gaps in technology and nuclear weapon effects M&S and identify solutions to address those gaps.


• Support software planning, development, testing, deployment, and usage. Conduct training of M&S software.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.


• 8-10 years of relevant work experience.


• US Citizenship Required.


• Active TS/SCI DoD security clearance.


• Experience in M&S areas: RF propagation modeling and testing, NC3 platforms and systems.


• Experience in software development or maintenance with C++, C#, Fortran, Python, or similar language.


• Strong communication skills.


• Demonstrated experience in nuclear weapon effects, RF communication systems, and/or relevant aspects of nuclear survivability.


• Experience in RF system operation and analysis.


• Experience with modeling software tools: LWPC, LMP, HiCIRF, PHaRLAP, and VOACAP.


• Experience in a supervisory or mentoring role.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist Preferences

• Masters of Science in Mathematics (or related field) with 6-8 years of relevant experience.


• PhD in Mathematics (or related field) with 3-5 years of relevant experience.

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 2,223 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. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.