Junior Mechanical Engineer

Ara; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc, in Madison, Alabama, is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to research, design, and develop mechanical components and systems on-site. Responsibilities include evaluating systems, supporting drawings, and producing documentation to meet specifications.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (or related experience via DoW) and the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and up to 2 years of Engineering work-related experience, OR HS Diploma and 8 years in a DoW environment.
• Strong working knowledge of SOLIDWORKS CAD software.
• Ability to create mechanical drawings using SOLIDWORKS CAD software.
• Basic use and knowledge of simple stress analysis, strength/weight efficiency, materials availability, and fabrication ease.
• Effective communication while working with vendors, contractors, internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to sit/stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate operational systems and design modifications to eliminate malfunctions or accommodate changes in system requirements.
• Assist with cost estimates for the project or equipment pieces.
• Provide technical input for briefings and design fabrication drawings.
• Review and correct drawings to ensure proper engineering techniques and specifications.
• Develop, release, and maintain documentation per requirements.
• Work on assignments requiring judgment and initiative.
• Develop solutions to routine technical problems within defined scope.
• Assist project teams in preparing presentations and demonstrations.
• Apply analytical, evaluative, and constructive expertise to meet deadlines.
• Work under supervision but independently determine approaches to solutions.
• Help ensure project timelines and budgets are met.

Skills

SOLIDWORKS CAD

Mechanical design

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Physical capability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

HS Diploma with 8 years DoW experience

Tools

SOLIDWORKS CAD software

Job description

Job Category: Engineering Support Services

Requisition Number: JUNIO010064

• Posted : September 2, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Madison, AL 35756, USA

Description

The Prototype, Manufacturing and Integration (PMI) Division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc (www.ara.com ) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Junior Mechanical Engineer working on-site in our Madison, AL location. The potential candidate will be responsible for researching, planning, designing, and developing new applications for mechanical components, systems, and processes. This can include using analytical and investigative methods and techniques to ensure systems meet the required specifications. Designs or reviews of mechanical, structural, materials, and/or instrumentation systems. Perform original design work after receiving the design goal or problem, general method of processing and engineering advice on related theoretical aspects to be considered in the design. Reviews, writes and edits reports such as evaluation plans, test results, technical manuals, etc. to provide recommendations, conclusions, and other data.

This position will require passing a national background check. Must be able to obtain and maintain a minimum of a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War. Must be a US Citizen.

What you’ll do as a Junior Mechanical Engineer (may not be all inclusive):

• Evaluate operational systems and design modifications to eliminate causes of malfunctions or to accommodate changes in system requirements
• Assist with cost estimates for the entire project or pieces of equipment
• Provide technical input for briefings and updates to staff and leadership involved with producing design fabrication drawings
• Reviews and corrects drawings to ensure proper engineering techniques and required specifications have been utilized
• Develops, releases, and maintains documentation in accordance with company and contractual requirements
• Works on assignments requiring judgment and initiative
• Develops solutions to routine technical problems of limited scope following detailed instructions
• Performs original design work after receiving design goal or problem, general method of processing, and engineering advice on related theoretical aspects to be considered in the design
• Assist project teams in preparing presentations and demonstrations
• Apply analytical, evaluative, and constructive expertise to meet the critical deadlines assigned
• Work under supervised direction but ability to independently determine and develop approaches to solutions
• Assist the team ensure project timelines are met and stay within budget
• Be physically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required

Must Haves as a Junior Mechanical Engineer:

• Requires a completed bachelor’s degree in Engineering and up to 2 years of Engineering work related experience OR H.S. Diploma and 8 years of Mechanical Engineering in a DoW industry
• Possess a strong working knowledge of SOLIDWORKS Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
• Ability to create mechanical drawings using SOLIDWORKS CAD software
• Requires the basic use and knowledge of simple stress analysis, strength/weight efficiency, availability of materials, and ease of fabrication
• Provide engineering design and prototype build support for testing and customer demonstration
• Team player capable of positive team interaction
• Ability to effectively communicate while working with vendors and contractors, internal and external stakeholders
• Assess new and existing equipment to optimize efficiency, safety, quality, and cost effectiveness to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments
• Ability to sit &/or stand for long periods of time, stand, sit, stoop, bend, crouch, crawl, climb, hold and move items with hand, multilimbed coordination, finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness, vision for computer work, push and pull and lifting up to 50lbs independently, and over 50lbs with assistance
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War

Wish List/Preferred:

• Active / current Secret Clearance from the US Department of War
• 2+ years’ experience creating mechanical drawings using SOLIDWORKS CAD software

Who is ARA?
Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a 100% employee-owned technology solutions company with more than 2,300 employee-owners across the United States and beyond. Our dedicated team brings deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges - creating innovative solutions that protect our safety, security, and way of life. At ARA, every project is an opportunity to exceed expectations. We deliver solutions that not only meet mission objectives but unlock new possibilities for the future.

Behaviors

Innovative

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.