Staff Mechanical Engineer (22401.2)

ARA•Indian Head, MD

19d•$87,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Associates is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support project execution for energetic operations in M41. The role involves developing, writing, demonstrating, routing, and obtaining safety approval for standard operating procedures. The engineer will apply knowledge of SOP writing, general engineering, mixing, pressing and/or machining technologies, and typical safety review processes. The position also performs basic project engineering duties, including preparing cost proposals, assisting with project planning and technical oversight, ensuring quality requirements are met, contributing to engineering solutions, and communicating project results orally and in writing. The role is entirely onsite at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head. It requires regular in-person interaction in a high-activity, open-plan collaborative workspace with active operational equipment, ambient machinery noise, and continuous visual monitoring and immediate verbal team communication. Employment is contingent on obtaining at least an Interim Secret clearance. Candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related scientific field with 2–4 years of related work experience, or a master's degree with 0–2 years of experience.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance; employment requires at least an Interim Secret clearance.
Proven proficiency in analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects and coordinating stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
Experience with process safety and material handling, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Strong leadership and coordination skills, including experience leading and mentoring multidisciplinary engineering teams across project phases.
Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments and manage rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation-compliant medical physical exam.
Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.
Ability to work onsite at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head; remote and hybrid schedules are not allowed.

Responsibilities

Develop, write, demonstrate, route, and obtain safety approval for standard operating procedures.
Prepare cost proposals.
Assist in planning project execution.
Assist in providing technical oversight.
Ensure quality requirements are met.
Contribute to the development of engineering solutions to problems.
Communicate project results orally and in writing.
Support project execution of energetic operations in M41.