Research Engineer (Electrical / Power Systems) - 1704
About The Position
Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is hiring a Research Engineer for its High-Power Electromagnetics Division in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The role supports rapid research and development and power systems research for programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors. The engineer will work with engineers, physicists, and technicians on both long-term and new programs, with opportunities to grow, lead, and learn. The position involves engineering calculations and application of physics first principles, solving problems through modeling and simulation, interpreting real-world test data, and conducting engineering studies and specialized tests under peer oversight. The engineer will also support development of specifications and requirements, prepare test plans and technical reports, maintain project documentation, deliver technical briefings, and collaborate across engineering teams. The position is on-site at SARA’s Colorado Springs facility. Compensation is projected at $90,000 to $135,000 annualized, depending on factors including location, education, skills, experience, and organizational and contract requirements. The application deadline is December 2, 2026.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or additional experience in lieu of a Master’s degree.
- 0–2 years of directly applicable power systems Electrical Engineering experience.
- Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Decision-making and leadership capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Organizational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking.
- Adaptability and flexibility.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret DoD security clearance.
- May require light physical effort, including standing, sitting, using hands, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- 2–4 years of directly applicable experience or relevant research projects in Power Systems, or complementary experience in Pulsed Power, EMP, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal Processing, High Voltage Physics (1s to 100s of kilovolts), or Digital and Analog Controls.
- F.E. exam completion or E.I.T. certification.
- Experience using data acquisition equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, voltage probes, current probes, specialized test sets, and spectrum analyzers.
- Experience testing and setting digital protective relays, commissioning switchgear, or substation design.
- Experience with power-system short-circuit, load-flow, EMT, or dynamics modeling software such as Aspen, SKM, RTDS, or EMTP.
- Experience with mathematical scripting, modeling, analysis, or automation using MATLAB or Python.
- Experience with circuit modeling and board layout using Dip Trace, Altium, or SPICE.
- Experience in analytical modeling and the scientific process.
- Experience in test design or requirements development.
- Experience working cooperatively in team environments.
- Strong writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.
- Conflict resolution experience.
- Active DoD TS or DoE Q security clearance.
Responsibilities
- Perform engineering calculations and apply physics first principles.
- Solve engineering problems using modeling and simulation and interpret real-world test data.
- Execute engineering studies under peer oversight.
- Assist with development of specifications and requirements.
- Design and execute specialized tests with peer oversight.
- Write concise test plans and technical reports, maintain comprehensive project documentation, and deliver technical briefings.
- Multitask and collaborate effectively with small or large engineering teams.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, plus other supplemental programs.
- Generous PTO program covering vacation, sick, and holiday time.
- Tuition and certification reimbursement.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Discretionary employee bonuses.
- 401(k) match and profit sharing.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
