Senior Engineer 1 at ARA in Kirtland, NM

ARA’s Test Technology Division (ARA-TTD) Hard Target Mechanics group is seeking a Principal Investigator/ Test Lead to lead weapons effects test programs and build a lasting career with ARA. The candidate will be a part of a high-performing team that is committed to ARA’s core values of Passion, Freedom, Service, and Growth.

We’re looking for a passionate, self-directed individual with a strong background in test development, test execution, and applied engineering and/or science to lead testing and analysis of penetrating weapons against a variety of hardened targets. Testing support is highly varied, with opportunities to work with technologies related to advanced energetic materials, ground shock, cratering, airblast, structural response, and thermal effects. These tests are critical to the development of technologies that safeguard our nation from future threats.

The candidate will lead test support, formulate and innovate experimental approaches, and problem-solve with our customers. They will lead interdisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians in a dynamic test environment with frequent client interaction. Strong leadership, team-building, multi-tasking, and communication skills are required.

What you’ll do as a Senior Engineer/ Scientist

• Lead and ensure successful execution of penetrating weapons experiments at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), Kirtland Air Force Base, or other CONUS locations.
• Travel is required, typically to WSMR located 2.5 hrs from Albuquerque
• Lead test event preparation, execution, data collection, and post-test documentation.
• Perform real-time engineering problem solving on the test bed to generate actionable solutions.
• Analyze data and oversee teams analyzing data collected in the field. Develop applied solutions to a variety of complex technical problems.
• Author technical reports and briefings, and present results to our customers.
• Represent ARA as the prime customer contact on projects that you lead and interact with senior customer personnel on significant technical matters.
• Lead technical collaboration within your test team, with other groups within Test Technology Division, and with other groups within ARA.
• Project management including scheduling and budgeting for test events.
• Participate in and lead business development efforts to expand existing work and grow new work within TTD.
• Coordinate and provide mentoring opportunities for more junior staff to grow their technical expertise.

Senior Engineer/ Scientist Requirements

• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related engineering field OR Bachelor of Science in Physics or other hard science field with strong applied engineering skillset.
• 7 to 9 years of engineering work experience with a Bachelor of Science degree, OR 5 to 7 years’ work experience with an M.S. degree, OR 2 to 5 years’ experience with a Ph.D.
• Broad technical engineering/ science capabilities.
• Experience leading field test programs or other operational programs.
• Technical leadership experience.
• Project management experience.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work well within a team and independently.

Senior Engineer/ Scientist Preferences

• Background in defense-related test support.
• Technical background in warhead penetration effects, hypersonics, and/ or explosives.
• Military experience with mission planning or weapons effects testing.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstratable field test experience

Work Shift:

This position is salaried at 40 hours per week on a DoD Government facility.

Summary pay range:

$125,000 to $165,000 per year