Junior Chemical Engineer

ARA; Indian Head (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Junior Chemical Engineer for multiple explosive and energetic materials projects at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head. Onsite role with U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance.

Bachelor’s in chemical engineering and 0–2 years’ experience preferred. Strong safety mindset and cross‑functional teamwork are essential. The position emphasizes startup of Nitramine Grinding Operations, collaboration with federal stakeholders,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related field.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Experience with process safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work 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 audiences.
• Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical exam.
• Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Support startup of Nitramine Grinding Operations.
• Coordinate with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, and production teams.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance across facilities.

Skills

Process safety

Material handling

Clearance eligible

Technical communication

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering

Job description

ARA’s team solves problems related to national defense and security. We are actively seeking an eager Junior Chemical Engineer for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. The engineer will assist with startup of large and small Nitramine Grinding Operations. The ideal Junior Chemical Engineer candidate must be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders.

Work Environment Details: The position operates entirely onsite in a high-activity environment that features an open-plan layout collaborative workspace where visual line-of-sight monitoring and immediate verbal team communication are required at all times. The workspace features active operational equipment, standard facility fluorescent light and ambient machinery noise. Regular, in-person interaction with on-site team members in this workspace are essential functions of this role.

Employment is contingent upon the successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance, granted by the sponsoring agency.

Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be US citizens residing within the US. This position is located at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

Junior Chemical Engineer Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related scientific field with 0-2 years of related work experience
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• 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.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. Company Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices.

Anticipated Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000