Job Abstract

The Capital Area Division (CAD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for an exceptional Materials Scientist/Engineer with experience in manufacturing/production systems. As part of the Counter-WMD Analysis Cell (CWAC), our tightly-knit and highly-focused team conducts detailed technical analyses of foreign, WMD-related industrial facilities, processes, and equipment using multiple intelligence sources, analytical tools, and engineering know-how. We also support a multi-disciplined team that performs Research & Development on technological applications for detecting, identifying, characterizing, modeling, and defeating WMD threats to support tactical and strategic planning efforts. In short, our CWAC team provides direct support to elements of the Intelligence Community, Combatant Command planning staffs, and operational units tasked with solving the most difficult problems involving the most dangerous weapons threatening the United States and its allies. The work is challenging, dynamic, relevant, and important to the security of the country.

Essential Functions:

• Identify and characterize critical design elements of WMD-related facilities, processes, systems, and equipment
• Integrate an understanding of material properties, mechanical systems, and industrial production processes to identify design flaws, capability limits, and potential failure mechanisms
• Plan, conduct, and identify opportunities for research & development in support of counter-WMD, full-dimensional defeat technologies
• Support exercises that test and/or demonstrate new technologies, methodologies, and analytical tools that are under development
• Produce clearly-written technical analyses and briefings at levels comprehensible to an audience ranging anywhere from the layperson, to senior-level government representatives, to subject matter experts
• Share expertise with junior counterparts

Required Skills:

• Master’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Materials or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent degree
• 8+ years of experience solving engineering problems
• Must be a US Citizen
• Practical materials science and mechanical systems knowledge gained through design, manufacturing, or other work experience
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within or lead a team of peers, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow into new areas of technical expertise outside of one’s original field
• Expert knowledge and use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• An active TOP SECRET//SCI clearance and ability to pass a Counter-Intelligence polygraph is required

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience supporting reverse engineering, threat analysis, and vulnerability/survivability assessments of WMD-related facilities, processes, and infrastructure (to include underground facilities)
• Experience with commercial software for engineering and materials characterization and analysis
• A working familiarity with other facility and building infrastructure to include power, HVAC, water treatment, communication, pneumatic, fuel handling, and wastewater treatment systems
• Research and Development of new tools and methodologies to understand and reverse engineer processes and support systems at remote WMD-related facilities.
• Modeling and simulation expertise with weaponeering and engineering analysis tools or similar
• Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional defeat of hard targets and underground facilities
• Working knowledge of engineering, 3D modeling, and geospatial analytical tools to include AutoCAD, ArcGIS, MatLab, SketchUp, Skyline Software, RemoteView, etc

COMPANY 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 1200 professionals. 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 generates 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 visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Materials Engineer / Scientist position.