Nuclear Weapons Effects Modeling & Simulation Engineer/Scientist

Applied Research Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Nuclear Weapons Effects Modeling & Simulation Engineer/Scientist who will support our growing business in modeling and simulation of physical phenomena within a 3D geometric modeling environment that is linked to a geographic information system (GIS). We apply traditional physical modeling approaches as well as machine learning to solve critical problems. As a member of our diverse, multidisciplinary team, you will be responsible for developing engineering and physics-based methodologies, analytical algorithms, and software tools that strengthen our national security.

Our work focuses on modeling a diverse range of phenomena including air blast, ground shock, and structural response modeling. Our models span a wide range of fidelity, from fast-running physics-based models to high fidelity computational fluid dynamics, molecular dynamics, and finite element approaches. As an engineer on our team, your day-to-day work will consist of developing or integrating a wide variety of models into our modeling and simulation software and performing verification & validation on the models to ensure that they produce realistic results. As a research and development program, the nature of our work varies from month to month and year to year: You will be continuously challenged to learn and grow expertise in new areas.

The most successful candidates have a strong technical background in science or engineering and a desire to continue expanding their knowledge. Expertise (and desire!) in writing robust and performant software is also highly desirable. If this describes you, please apply! You will be required to work in the office 3 days a week in our Raleigh, NC office.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Bachelors of Science in Science or Engineering with 5-7 years of experience or Masters of Science in Science or Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant experience or PhD in Science or Engineering with 0-2 years of experience. 


• A strong interest in and ability to develop modeling and simulation software in high level languages (e.g. C++, Python, Java, etc.)


• A desire to work in a dynamic team environment.

Security Clearance Requirement:

• The nature of work, interactions with intelligence community and DoD programs require eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance (selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment). 

Preferred Experience and Skills:

Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, that you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

• Masters of Science in Science or Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant experience.


• PhD in Science or Engineering with 0-2 years of relevant experience.


• Expertise in DoD modeling and simulation technology, structural dynamics, nuclear weapon effects, ground shock environments, geotechnical characterization, and/or probabilistic analysis


• Familiarity with software design patterns, modern C++, and agile software development practices


• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written mediums with technical and non-technical audiences

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.