Staff Engineer

Applied Research Associates, Inc.

(ARA) is seeking a highly capable mechanical or structural engineer to support the design of specialized DoD infrastructure contributing directly to process and facility designs.

The selected candidate will play a key role in developing ARA’s internal design capability to support energetics manufacturing and testing infrastructure.

The candidate will contribute mechanical and/or structural engineering expertise across facility layouts, process integration, and equipment interface design.

This position will report into Senior Program and Engineering Leadership in Arlington, VA and will collaborate directly with mechanical/systems engineering teams, A&E subcontractors, and Government stakeholders.

This position will not have direct reporting employees.

Responsibilities:


* Develop internal mechanical and structural designs for energetics and high-hazard process systems, including preliminary equipment layouts, utility requirements, support structure design, and facility interface drawings.


* Utilize CAD software to model structures and systems.

Work with facility, process, and systems engineering teams to integrate and collaborate designs to form process and facility design packages.


* Perform engineering calculations and modeling to support design of mechanical systems, process layouts, and structural framing for custom manufacturing infrastructure.


* Compile presentations outlining technical achievements and progress.

Assist in presenting design rationale and technical data packages to Government customers.


* Review and comment on A&E design submittals (30%, 60%, 90%, IFC), ensuring they reflect technical requirements for process equipment, mechanical utilities, and structural systems.


* Coordinate and evaluate geotechnical reports, topographic surveys, and hazardous materials assessments to inform structural and mechanical design decisions.


* Serve as an internal subject matter expert in mechanical or structural design, supporting R&D teams on the development of innovative process infrastructure.


* Collaborate with chemical and systems engineers to develop facility and process layouts that align with operational requirements and DoD design criteria.


* Interface with A&E subcontractors to ensure detailed design packages align with internal engineering solutions and program goals.

Required Qualifications:


* U.S.

Citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.


* Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical, Structural, or Civil Engineering, with demonstrated experience in facility and process system design.


* 5+ years of technical engineering experience, including mechanical or structural system design, modeling, and facility integration.


* Hands-on experience developing 2D/3D design packages using CAD tools; ability to generate and review engineering drawings and perform supporting calculations.


* Working knowledge of Unified...