Materials Engineer / Scientist

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 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)


* Experien...