Principal Systems Engineer

At ARA we are driven by a passion for developing innovative solutions to challenging problems of national importance. Our culture rewards autonomy and initiative and we foster a stable environment where personal and professional growth are prioritized.

The successful Systems Engineer will be required to provide direct support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and their military partner in all aspects of their area of specialized knowledge. Emphasis areas include (but are not limited to) Mechatronics and Systems design; Software engineering to include Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) mission planning and control systems; Aerospace with emphasis on systems test and evaluation; RF engineering with emphasis on signal propagation and processing, Space Enabled Cyberspace Operations (SECO), Computer Network Operations (CNO) and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) system architecture. This position directly enables rapid Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) activities undertaken to enable Concept of Operations (CONOP) development on an operationally relevant timeline. The selected candidate will assist the military partner in identifying vulnerabilities in threat networks relevant to their area of expertise and guide the development and integration of technological solutions designed to exploit those vulnerabilities. The well qualified Systems Engineer will be a critical component of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) assembled to ensure client requirements are being addressed. The selected candidate will be expected to coordinate with external organizations (National Labs, Intelligence Community and Vendors) to evaluate threats, conduct systems analysis, and coordinate technical integration in support of emerging CONOP development. Selected candidates will also be expected to participate in meetings as the representative of the team and prepare and present technical briefings to customers and upper management. 

Principal Systems Engineer Security Clearance Requirements:

• Secret with TS/SCI eligibility accepted
• TS/SCI preferred

Principal Systems Engineer Required Experience:

• Bachelors Degree in related field with a minimum 12 years of professional experience OR 20 years of experience in lieu of a degree

Principal Systems Engineer Desired Experience:

• Master’s Degree in related field (Mechanical, Aerospace, RF or Systems engineering) along with 10-13 years of relevant work experience 
• Experience/expertise in project management and/or testing and evaluation
• Experience/expertise in WMD and/or working with military customers

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,248 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/