The Mission Capabilities and Concepts (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks to hire a Senior Weapon Development System Engineer to provide technical and program management support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for Counter-WMD weapons and capabilities development. The candidate will perform a variety of functions typical of pre-Milestone “A” RDT&E for capability development, to include system engineering support and technical program management support functions. The right candidate will provide systems engineering and program management support to government program managers for pre-milestone ‘A’ RDT&E and technology maturation programs focused upon the development of counter-WMD weapons and capabilities across a diverse portfolio of technological areas.

Modeling and Simulations

The candidate is required to possess significant experience and expertise in the use of computer-based models and simulation software (M&S) for the conduct of high-fidelity modeling, materials analysis, and weapons effects simulation modeling. Examples of required experience may include but are not limited to CTH, SIERRA, LS-DYNA, SHAMROCK, CHEETAH, and ALE3D.

Technology Concept Development

Engage US Warfighters, stakeholders and capability development partners to identify, develop and document capability requirements Develop threat analyses to inform CWMD capability concept development Conduct weapons and capability market surveys Develop, evaluate, and down-select materiel solution concepts Evaluate performer proposals and document with supported PM as needed. Conduct and document SWaP analysis, trade-space analysis for selected concepts

Program Planning and Execution Support

Draft technology maturation program plans Develop and document system and subsystem performance metrics Draft and/or evaluate work breakdown structures (WBS) Perform technology program risk assessments and draft risk mitigation plans Participate in program technology and quality reviews/assessments

Test Planning and Test Execution Support

Conduct test planning with program teams and performers/testbeds Develop test plans, identify and recommend test methodologies, and testbeds Perform test execution support (personnel accountability, photo/video documentation, etc.) Review performer data acquisition plans and data analysis methodologies

General

Write university-level white papers and reports Produce independent, professional quality work product using Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project, etc.) Brief program managers, performer teams, and senior leaders on program support activities and status Candidates will be required to provide in-person support to DTRA within one hour of notification Monday-Friday during normal business hours. IAW workspace availability and governing employment law, policy, and regulations, development of an approved hybrid work agreement with the supervisor is possible.

Required Qualifications:

Must be a US Citizen Master’s degree in an engineering or hard science discipline 8-10 years of total experience across one or more of the following disciplines: Weapons Development and/or Testing, Systems Engineering, Technical Program Management/Support, DoD System Acquisition and Program Management Minimum current / active SECRET clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in an engineering or hard science discipline with 5-7 years’ experience Active TS/SCI security clearance Experienced in the establishment and conduct of collaborative R&D programs with universities and US allies PhD in an engineering or hard science discipline with 10 years’ experience

 

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 2000 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 fosters 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 Senior Weapon Development System Engineer position.