[Hiring] Staff Systems Engineer 2 @ARA

Role Description

Defense Technology Solutions (DTS) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for a Systems Engineer to join our team. DTS is ARA’s Center of Excellence in high-fidelity modeling and simulation and regularly orchestrates a variety of full-scale testing projects. We conduct research and design for a variety of government organizations and industry in national defense and transportation safety applications. We specialize in digital engineering and complex multi-physics modeling of structural and fluid behaviors in challenging environments.

We are looking for a systems engineer to support digital modernization efforts across multiple government facilities that provide rocket testing infrastructure. This role works closely with program managers and prime contractors to evaluate technical solutions, manage risk, and support milestone decisions. The position blends in office program execution with travel to support test and integration activities. An ideal candidate is a technically strong, mission-focused engineer who can translate complex test facility system details into clear, actionable guidance for program leadership while collaborating effectively across government and industry teams.

• Provide expertise in test facility Systems Engineering to support a team, working day-to-day with Program Managers, Lead Engineers, and functional leads.
• Support requirements development, trade studies, system architecture, and interface definition for test facility (development, design, integration, test, sustainment).
• Review and assess contractor technical data, designs, analyses, and test plans to ensure compliance with system requirements, safety standards, and government intent.
• Engage with prime contractors and government stakeholders during technical interchange meetings, design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), and working groups to resolve technical issues and risks.
• Participate in developmental and operational test planning and execution, including travel to test sites, range activities, and post-test analysis and reporting.
• Identify technical risks, assess impacts to cost/schedule/performance, and provide recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
• GPA of at least 3.4/4.0.

Requirements

• 7 Years systems engineering and systems design experience.
• Working knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, requirements management, risk management, and technical reviews.
• Experience with systems engineering for complex aerospace, propulsion, or test facilities.
• At least 2 years of experience with Cameo Systems Modeler or equivalent SysML toolset.
• Ability to analyze contractor technical products and communicate findings clearly to government stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel in support of test and program activities.
• Ability to perform requirements identification, analysis, documentation, and tracking.
• Ability to analyze customer needs and turn them into system requirements.
• Ability to work with customers in a test environment and lead meetings for requirements development and verification.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Direct experience with digital twin systems (architecture, interface definition, roadmaps and implementation plans).
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Familiarity with weapons certification and design testing processes.
• Facility requirements development (vacuum systems, steam systems, cooling water, high-pressure gas systems, exhaust/diffuser systems, structural systems, system interfaces, digital systems, data acquisition systems).
• Experience with rocket motor operations (static test stands, rocket sleds, test sequencing and readiness, facility startup/shutdown, test conduct and emergency procedures, test data).
• Experience with hypersonics applications.
• Experience with Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Experience using other Systems Engineering applications for Requirements Management and Configuration Management.

Benefits

• Pay Ranges: From $90,980 to $145,000 USD per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position.
• ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/ .

Company Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979, employs over 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities and autonomy to take active roles as employee owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are expected to advance new capabilities to support company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The core values “Passion, Freedom, Service and Growth” and the motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sum up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com .