Mechanical Materials & Process Engineer

ARA • Lafayette, CO

4h • $100,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Applied Electromagnetics Division (AED), is hiring a Mechanical Materials & Process Engineer in Lafayette, Colorado. This engineering development position applies design and fabrication expertise to challenging RF hardware, including antennas and support equipment. The engineer will create drawing packages and solid models, develop manufacturing processes, guide fabricators, and integrate electrical, mechanical, structural, and thermal components into production-level hardware. Products include mechanical interfaces and assemblies, composite fabric/epoxy parts, printed circuit boards, and integrated subsystems. The role calls for broad theoretical and hands-on knowledge of aerospace hardware production and fielding, including components and processes that meet MIL-STD requirements.

The position requires a four-year engineering degree and a DoD Secret security clearance, or the ability to obtain one. Fifteen or more years of experience is a plus. The stated annual pay range is $100,000 to $130,000, based on experience, degree, and relevant skills and knowledge. The job posting gives January 12, 2027, as the date to apply by for best consideration.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of materials and processes suitable for producing quality hardware that meets MIL-STD requirements.
• Creative mechanical design and problem-solving ability, with cradle-to-grave product experience.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude and knowledge of materials, with the ability to guide fabricators through clear verbal and written communication and direct collaboration.
• Four-year college degree in mechanical, materials, or manufacturing-related engineering.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a DoD Secret-level security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• 15 or more years of aerospace or defense industry experience, with a portfolio of successfully fielded products.
• Direct RF hardware experience with antennas, radomes, circuits, and/or RF/EM materials.
• Advanced graduate-level engineering degree in mechanical, materials, or manufacturing-related engineering.
• Hands-on experience in machining, metalworking, bonding, soldering, welding, and screen printing.
• In-depth knowledge of quality management system procedures and operations.

Responsibilities

• Design interfaces, housings, and structures that integrate or support electrical and mechanical components, including mounts, frameworks, fairings, molds, power and cooling equipment enclosures, panels, connectors, wiring, and cabling.
• Develop and apply manufacturing processes for repeatable, high-quality machined and shaped metal parts, fabric/epoxy composites, populated circuit boards, screen-printed specialized inks, and wire or cable harnesses.
• Select materials and integration methods to produce robust hardware that meets demanding environmental conditions, including thermal, vibration, shock, moisture, and corrosion requirements under MIL-STD standards.
• Generate drawing packages and solid models, formulate manufacturing processes, and instruct internal and external fabrication teams.
• Package and integrate electrical, mechanical, structural, and thermal components and equipment for production-level hardware.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits intended to address employees’ needs now and in the future.
• Eligibility for employee contributions through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as employee-owners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior