**Description** Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. In this role you will collaborate with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, to support research and development of current and new production equipment and facilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing and optimizing mechanical systems and processes. Candidates for this position must be a US citizen. **Key Responsibilities:** + Assess existing mechanical systems and process and lead design efforts for new mechanical systems related to the production of energetic materials. + Develop and implement strategies to engage third party equipment suppliers knowledgeable in processing inert and energetic materials. + Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including facilities management, operations, maintenance, and EH&S, to design and execute projects. + Conduct technical assessments and feasibility studies for facility upgrades, retrofits, and expansions, considering factors such as process safety, efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. + Provide technical expertise and support for design, installation, commissioning and troubleshooting of mechanical systems. + Design and implement preventive maintenance programs and standard operating procedures for new and existing equipment to ensure optimal safety, reliability and longevity. + Stay abreast of industry standards, regulations, and best practices. + Prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation for mechanical system projects, ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations. **Qualifications:** + Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field; master's degree preferred. + 4-7 years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on mechanical equipment, preferably in industrial or commercial environments. + Strong knowledge of mechanical systems design. + Experience with material processing equipment. + Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Solidworks). + Knowledge of relevant codes and standards, such as ASHRAE, NFPA, and ASME. + Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical issues and develop effective solutions. + Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. Authorization to work in the U.S. is required. U.S. Citizen Required Interested applicants should submit their résumé electronically at: www.careers.ara.com ARA 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 2,100 professionals and is rapidly growing. 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. We realize that employee ownership spawns 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). Our motto is “Engineering and Science That Matters for Fun & Profit” and we live our core values of Passion _, Fr_ eedom, Service and Growth every day. **Qualifications** **Behaviors** **Preferred** + **Team Player:** Works well as a member of a group + **Innovative:** Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking + **Detail Oriented:** Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well **Motivations** **Preferred** + **Ability to Make an Impact:** Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization **Education** **Required** + Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering **Experience** **Required** + 4-7 years: Experience related to the position 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)