Senior Propellant Engineer

ARA’s team solves problems related to national defense and security.

About the role

The Senior Propellant Engineer will perform project engineering duties such as preparation of cost proposals, planning project execution, providing technical oversight and solutions, preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality Project Plans (QPPs), and Alternate Control Plans (ACPs). The Senior Engineer will assist and train junior personnel, help make critical cast propellant technical decisions, and make critical facility decisions on Energetics Comprehensive Facility Decisions (ECMP) projects.

The duties of this role must be performed entirely onsite within a high-activity environment featuring standard industrial/office lighting and ambient noise. Continuous proximity to the team and operations is essential; workspace modifications such as isolation in a quiet, dimly lit, or private office cannot be accommodated. Employment is contingent upon obtaining at least an Interim Secret clearance. Candidates must be U.S. citizens residing within the U.S. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and does not allow for remote or hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, collaborating with federal defense clients.
• Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
• Apply analytical techniques to support process development, troubleshooting, and optimization; assist in developing test plans to validate proof-of-concept designs.
• Oversee project execution, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications; collaborate with program management to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors to communicate design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
• Develop, plan, and execute goals in partnership with project managers to align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables; participate in client-facing meetings to update progress and facilitate technical discussions.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring adherence to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirements, and client-specific quality and safety standards.
• Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with 8-10 years of experience as a Propellant Engineer or closely related field, or a Master's with 6-8 years of experience.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Proven proficiency in analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse 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.

Pay

Anticipated salary range: $130,000 - $145,000