**Description** Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented candidate to join our Quality Assurance (QA) Testing team in Niceville, FL, and Eglin AFB. You will support the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness (JTCG/ME) and its Integrated Product Teams (IPT) in developing products such as the Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual (JMEM) Weaponeering Software (JWS). JMEM products are used to authenticate weapons effectiveness data for operations, training, systems acquisitions, weapons procurement, and combat modeling and simulation. ARA is a 100% employee-owned company that offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and more. As a member of our diverse multidisciplinary team, the JWS Junior Software QA Specialist will be responsible for planning and conducting automated and manual software testing, build and install creation, and verification/validation testing. You will work side by side with our Development, Engineering, and Training teams. We are an Agile, CMMI Level 3 team. **Applicant must be a United States citizen and able to obtain and maintain an Active Department of Defense (DOD) Security Clearance.** **ARA’ Benefits Package Includes:**   + 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution + Employee Stock Ownership Plan + Various insurance options including Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA) + Paid leave and holidays + Opportunities for continuing education **Junior Software QA Specialist Key Responsibilities:** + Assist in developing and executing test plans, test cases, and test scripts. + Identify, document, and track software defects. + Perform functional and regression testing under the guidance of senior testers. + Collaborate with developers and product managers to understand requirements and provide feedback. + Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on software design and usability. **Junior Software QA Specialist Qualifications:** + Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). + US Citizen, able to receive and maintain DoD Security Clearance. **Junior Software QA Specialist Required Skills:** + Basic understanding of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes. + Strong attention to detail and analytical skills. + Good communication and teamwork abilities. + Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and testing methods. + Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative. + Military Weaponeering/Targeteering Operational Experience is highly desirable. **Junior Software QA Specialist Preferred Skills:** + Familiarity with automated testing tools is a plus. + Basic knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, or C# is advantageous. + Understanding of SQL and database testing is a plus. + Experience with TestComplete is highly desirable. + Engineering background with knowledge of software development processes. **Company Details:** Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979 as the disco era was, thankfully, closing out and the personal computer era was beginning. We employ over 2,200 professionals and continue to grow. ARA 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 takes pride in having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawn’s greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)