On-site International Technical Program Lead

Are you motivated by technical mission work, international travel, and leading complex government programs? Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking an On-site International Technical Program Lead to support technical assessments and work directly with other program managers, Government staff, and partner-nations on planning and execution of technical programs. This role begins as an understudy to the current lead and transitions to full program leadership.

This role centers on planning, preparing, executing, and documenting multi‑week technical site visits overseas and within the U.S. Responsibilities include coordinating all field logistics, ensuring export/import compliance with agreements and security regulations, and conducting on‑site mission work that produces technical data and materials for U.S. Government stakeholders.

The Program Lead integrates technical objectives, government guidance, partner‑nation sensitivities, and the priorities of multiple stakeholders. The candidate must be comfortable managing equipment, export/import considerations, travel logistics, personnel coordination, and the execution of complex field missions involving diverse agendas. This role also contributes to long-term strategic planning and relationship-building. This position requires becoming proficient in the processes governing import/export requirements and regulations, and the relevant international project agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the understudy and eventual lead for planning, preparing, executing, and documenting multi-week overseas technical assessments (e.g., Site visits, data collection visits, tool training, final reports.)


• Conduct onsite technical work and lead development of resulting materials presented to US Government stakeholders


• Manage all field logistics including travel, export/import considerations, equipment readiness, personnel coordination, and integration of multiple stakeholder agendas


• Support long-term strategy and relationship building with multiple partners and agreements


• Ensure full compliance with international agreements, Project Security Instructions, import export requirements and regulations, and partner nation sensitivities


• Participate in crafting 5–10‑year program agreements and maintain continuity across multi-year planning cycles

On-site International Technical Program Lead Minimum Qualifications: 

• Active DoW TS/SCI security clearance and ability to pass a CI Polygraph


• A BS in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics along with 8-10 years of experience or M.S./Ph.D. in Science or Engineering and 6-8 years of experience.


• Prior experience planning and managing field projects including logistics, security constraints and personnel coordination


• A strong interest and ability to build relationships, interface with and brief customers


• Aptitude for learning and applying new technologies to a diverse problem set

On-site International Technical Program Lead Preferred Qualifications:

Above all, we value service, innovation, collaboration, and openness. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, 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.

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and scientists


• Expertise in DoW modeling and simulation technology, industrial production processes, industrial control systems, and/or probabilistic analysis


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


• Knowledge and experience with DoW decision support tools, capabilities, missions, and technical workflows


• Demonstrated field leadership experience—coordinating multidisciplinary teams and executing technical mission activities


• Strong communication skills, including briefing technical content to both technical and non‑technical government audiences


• Ability to remain in the Reston/NCR area long-term (5–10 years) to provide continuity across multi‑year government cycles

The most successful candidates have a strong technical background in science, engineering, or mathematics, a desire to continue expanding their knowledge, and leadership experience. Expertise (and desire!) in business development, technical project management, and customer engagement are highly desirable. If this describes you, please apply!

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,300 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.  

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/