Research Scientist/Engineer

Do you enjoy solving complex problems? Would you enjoy working in a fast-paced multidisciplinary research environment that requires collaboration, as well as the ability to work independently? Are you interested in working for a company that values dedication in the workplace, inspires professional development, and appreciates the importance of creating an optimal work-life balance? If this sounds like your next job, we would like to talk with you about joining the Integrated Products Division (IPD) in ARA. We are seeking a Research Scientist / Engineer to join IPD’s Advanced Technology Team. In this role, you will help solve challenging technical problems in our focus areas, including robotics, energy systems, simulation, and advanced sensors / security, while also helping expand IPD into new technological business opportunities. You will be put directly in the forefront of developing and integrating technology solutions on a wide range of projects; having the freedom and encouragement to pursue your own ideas with potential for global impact. At IPD, we deliver engineering solutions and advanced products for a wide range of technical applications where analysis, modeling/simulation, motion control, precise measurement, data acquisition and reliability are required.

The Integrated Products Division of ARA has longstanding research and product development in ground robotics, geo-sciences, energy systems and advanced sensor development. Our advanced sensor development includes seismic and acoustic sensors, radiation sensors, optical and thermal sensing. We have ongoing deployment of machine learning for target recognition algorithms and advanced signal processing, and algorithm development including applying beamforming to and from multiple element antennas/arrays to both acoustics and radio communications. Experimental technologies such as microrobotics, non-metallic weapon detection, counter UAS, and autonomous and ADAS features for military and industrial vehicles are all actively under development. Within IPD we promote research on technologies with broad applications addressing human-machine interfacing, climate initiatives, clean energy and global sustainment challenges.

• What you’ll do as a Scientist/Engineer
  • Our work focuses on the research and development of technology for the US Government, including sensor programs in security areas as well our advanced ground robotic systems. As a research and development program, the nature of our work varies from month to month and year to year. You will be continuously challenged to learn and grow expertise in new areas. You’ll need to learn on your feet, ask questions of support staff, and be a self-starter. The most successful candidates have a strong technical background in science, engineering, or mathematics and a desire to continue expanding their knowledge and deliver solutions.
  • You’ll be responsible for developing hardware, software, and use case solutions for different facets of each program / project.
  • You will travel to job sites to perform project work, interface with customers, and help pitch ARA technology to new clients at conferences.
  • You’ll pursue opportunities for both existing ARA technology and new technology conceived from the Advanced Technology Team – including proposal submissions for project and IR&Ds.
  • You will help lead internal research and development efforts.
• Requirements
  • MS degree in physics, science, engineering, or related science.
  • 3-5 years’ experience with MS Degree
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work well with many departments to develop solutions for the customer consistent with our business goals.
• Preferences
  • PhD is preferred in physics, sciences, engineering or related discipline.
  • Familiarity with robotics, machine learning techniques, advanced ground or aerial vehicle systems.
  • Familiarity with energy / power systems
  • Experience with embedded Linux systems is desirable.
  • Expertise in C++, Matlab and Python software is also highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with ROS, Nix, Unreal Engine, CARLA, ProjectGL are advantageous.
  • Multidisciplinary skills in different engineering fields.

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 1,700 professionals and continues to grow. 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 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). 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 apply at careers.ara.com.