Senior Design Engineer 1

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Southwest Division (SWD) is seeking an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join our Concept Development Group (CDG) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. CDG is a multidisciplinary team of engineers performing research, development, analysis, and testing for developmental weapon programs. We design novel and legacy weapon systems for Department of War programs supporting warfighters, offering a dynamic and challenging work environment that fosters professional growth.

About the role

The Senior Design Engineer will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, development, integration, and verification of advanced mechanical systems and weapon subsystems. This role involves close collaboration with modeling and simulation engineers, systems engineers, analysts, test engineers, manufacturing personnel, and program leadership to develop solutions from concept through prototype demonstration and qualification.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, implement, and analyze technical products and systems using applied engineering principles, including solid and fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Perform engineering design evaluations on weapons systems.
• Conduct dimensional tolerance analysis and functional analyses.
• Procure, assemble, and test advanced prototypes to inform design decisions, refinements, and demonstrate performance.
• Prepare and present designs at various design reviews using MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Produce required design documentation.
• Assist in the development of hardware requirements.
• Ensure designs satisfy requirements and demonstrate performance through a thorough verification and validation program.
• Perform trade studies for technology development.
• Analyze data and make recommendations for improvement.
• Understand nominal and off-nominal operations for technical systems and their interactions with other systems.
• Manage multiple issues simultaneously and develop integrated solutions.
• Collaborate with fabrication and manufacturing departments to ensure proper execution of final designs in mechanical product creation.
• Support all areas of the development process to meet project milestones.
• Mentor junior engineers and cross-train in other engineering fields.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship due to the sensitivity of customer-related information.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of recent and related work experience.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, leadership, and team-working skills.
• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software for design work.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with peers, cross-functional teams, and external customers.
• Experience producing product and structural requirements and designs.
• Ability to calculate dimensions, weight limitations, and material requirements.
• Experience describing production methods step-by-step, including equipment and software types.

Skills

• Hands-on familiarity with Department of War components.
• Experience designing and developing life-critical components for extreme environments using established engineering principles.
• Experience with qualification and acceptance testing.
• Active SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.
• Ability to navigate and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills for diagnosing complex system behaviors.
• Proficiency in math and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in an agile development environment.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, program management, and government customers.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to clearly communicate, express, and understand complex information.

Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Various insurance options, including Flexible Spending Plan and Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid leave and holidays.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company providing technically superior solutions to complex challenges in physical sciences, defense, civil, and health technologies. Founded in 1979, ARA employs over 2,300 professionals across the U.S. and Canada, offering a culture of innovation and experimentation where employees are valued as the company’s greatest assets.