Research Scientist/Engineer

The Integrated Products Division (IPD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Research Scientist / Engineer to join its Advanced Technology Team. In this role, you will work with a team of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers to solve challenging technical issues, lead research and development initiatives, and write proposals to acquire new projects for the division. IPD has 5 major focus areas: Robotics, Geotechnical Products, Sustainable Infrastructure and Security, Contract Engineering and Manufacturing, and Advanced Technology. The Advanced Technology vertical focuses on developing new technologies for both commercial and DoW applications. Technological successes from the team includes microrobotics technology development (Microrobotics - ARA), Pathfinder Team Awareness Kit Integration (Pathfinder: Advanced Intrusion Detection - ARA), and advanced payload capabilities for autonomous robotic vehicles (Switchback - ARA).

Do you enjoy solving complex problems? Would you enjoy working in a fast-paced multidisciplinary research environment that requires collaboration, as well as the ability to work independently? Are you interested in working for a company that values dedication in the workplace, inspires professional development, and appreciates the importance of creating an optimal work-life balance? If this sounds like your next job, we would like to talk with you about joining the Integrated Products Division (IPD) in ARA.

The anticipated salary for this position ranges from $87,000 to $97,000/year, depending on education and experience. ARA also offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/. 

What you’ll do as a Scientist/Engineer

• You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of research scientists, engineers and technicians in tackling challenging technical tasks toward delivering solutions.


• You will be responsible for developing hardware and software solutions to difficult challenges across IPD verticals.


• You will develop experimental plans, define performance metrics, and carry out experiments individually or in a group.


• You will travel to job sites to perform project work, interface with customers, and help promote ARA technology to clients.


• You’ll pursue opportunities for both existing ARA technology and new technology conceived from the Advanced Technology Team – including proposal submissions for project and IR&Ds.


• You will help lead internal research and development efforts and solve technical issues across IPD projects.


• Your work will take you between office, laboratory, and shop manufacturing environments.


• You will be responsible for generating data, writing detailed technical reports, and providing presentations to stakeholders.




• Requirements




• MS degree in physics, science, engineering, or related science.


• 3-5 years’ experience with MS Degree.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work well with different functional groups (Business development, marketing, engineering, manufacturing, etc.)


• A self-starter that is not afraid to dive into the unknown alone and has demonstrated ‘workplace agility’ in fast-paced environments.


• Ability to prioritize tasking and quickly understand complex subjects.


• Team player attitude with a healthy dose of skepticism.

• Preferences




• PhD is preferred in physics, science, engineering, or related discipline.


• Familiarity with robotics, machine learning techniques, advanced ground/aerial vehicle systems, manufacturing processes, programming, PCB electronics design, RF communication, simulation, artificial intelligence, and documentation.


• Experience with embedded Linux systems is highly desirable.


• Expertise in C++, Matlab and/or Python software is highly desirable.


• Familiarity with ROS2, Nix, Unreal Engine, CARLA, ProjectGL are advantageous.


• Experience and comfort working in a chemical, biological, and/or engineering laboratory is highly preferred.


• Multidisciplinary skills in different engineering fields.


• Experience and comfort working with laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, fume hoods, PPE, biosafety cabinets, pipettes, electromagnetic systems, microscopes, and spectrophotometers.


• Demonstrated ability to leverage artificial intelligence and understand its limitations.


• Proven ability to document, present, and communicate complex subjects to diverse audiences.


• Understanding of defense contracting, finances, and project management are highly advantageous.


• Familiarity with the Shipley Method for proposal writing is a plus.

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 2,300 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 its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; 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.