Staff Engineering Aide 1

ARA Career • San Antonio, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Rocky Mountain Division is seeking to hire a contingent position for a Staff Engineering Aide 1 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space. The Staff Engineering Aide will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects of lasers on biological tissues and vision. We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Staff Engineering Aide to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the laboratory by meticulously performing tasks, maintaining and utilizing lab equipment, and keeping work areas organized and safe. Attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures are essential for success in this role. This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate’s resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in laboratory research.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Operate a variety of specialized testing equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
• General understanding in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
• Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW or similar programs.
• Experience translating laboratory results into mission-relevant insights and recommendations.
• Strong technical communication skills when dealing with internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.
• Experience with DoD laboratories.
• Technical training, or work in a related field.
• Positive attitude and excellent communication in order to facilitate smooth collaboration with multiple technical project teams.
• Experience with lab environment, including using personal protective equipment, conducting experiments, taking data and reporting results.
• Experience machining plastics and metals.
• Familiarity with MS Office environment (Outlook, Excel, MS Word).
• Existing DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operating complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
• Conduct experiments under guidance of staff engineers, with strong awareness of hazards and with careful attention to detail.
• Assist engineers with optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities.
• Assist with performing data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
• Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
• Assist with documenting experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with government, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners.
• Maintain clean, functional, and organized laboratory space including organization and storage of hardware and test equipment.
• Prepare and set up instrumentation, including assemblies for laboratory and field testing.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, test, and maintain equipment, components, devices, or systems.
• Track and maintain electronic test equipment including oscilloscopes, analog meters, digital multi-meter and optical detectors.
• Order and maintain stock of laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Maintain accurate accounts of time, labor, materials, and equipment for work performed.
• Prepare oral and written reports as necessary.

Benefits

• Employee-owned scientific research and engineering company
• Employee ownership spawns greater creativity, initiative, and higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.
• Opportunity to earn annual contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• All employee-owners can directly impact our shared success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED