Staff Mechanical Engineer (22401.2)

ARA Career • Indian Head, MD

19d • Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Associates (ARA) is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to assist with project execution of energetic operations at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head. The engineer will develop, write, demonstrate, route, and obtain safety approval for standard operating procedures (SOPs). The role also includes basic project engineering duties, such as preparing cost proposals, helping plan project execution, providing technical oversight, ensuring quality requirements are met, contributing to engineering solutions, and communicating project results orally and in writing.

This position is entirely onsite in a high-activity, open-plan collaborative workspace. Visual line-of-sight monitoring and immediate verbal communication are required at all times, and regular in-person interaction with onsite team members is an essential function. The workspace includes active operational equipment, fluorescent lighting, and ambient machinery noise. Remote and hybrid schedules are not available.

Employment is contingent on obtaining at least an Interim Secret clearance from the sponsoring agency. Candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in the United States. Candidates must also be able to pass a Department of Transportation-compliant medical physical exam and drug screening. The anticipated salary range is $87,000–$115,000.

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 the ability to obtain a security clearance; employment is contingent upon obtaining at least an Interim Secret clearance.
• Knowledge of SOP writing, general engineering knowledge of mixing, pressing, and/or machining technologies, and understanding of typical safety review processes.
• Proven proficiency in analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects and coordinating diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Experience with process safety and material handling, including ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Excellent 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 changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including 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.
• Must reside within the United States.
• Must work onsite at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head; remote and hybrid schedules are not available.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project execution of energetic operations in M41.
• Develop, write, demonstrate, route, and gain safety approval for standard operating procedures.
• Prepare cost proposals and assist with planning project execution.
• Assist in providing technical oversight and ensure quality requirements are met.
• Contribute to the development of engineering solutions to problems.
• Communicate project results orally and in writing.
• Manage complex projects and coordinate stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
• Work effectively in dynamic, high-pressure environments with changing program scope, funding, and priorities.

What This Job Offers

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