Research Engineer-Data & Analytics

ARA; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks an engineer/scientist to develop data analytic tools and techniques for intelligence and defense communities. The role involves data analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, and software systems supporting these methods.

You will translate ideas into software, prototype and productionize algorithms, and work in a multi-disciplinary team. Strong Python skills, solid math background, and experience turning problems into usable tools are

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Strong software development skills and proficiency in Python.
• Solid mathematical foundation (linear algebra, probability).
• Experience in data modeling and analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, or intelligent agents.
• Ability to work with data: preprocessing, transformation, and basic SQL or data storage concepts.
• Proficiency in PyTorch, NumPy, Pandas.
• Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including testing, version control, and code review.
• Experience going from problem statement to prototype to production-ready algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Develop data analytic tools and techniques for intelligence and defense contexts.
• Translate ideas and proposed solutions into software tools and algorithms.
• Evaluate algorithm and system performance and optimize as needed.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to solve problems of national importance.

Skills

Python

Machine learning

Data analytics

Probability

Linear algebra

SQL basics

Software development

Version control

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or related field

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

PyTorch

NumPy

Pandas

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified engineer/scientist for the development of data analytic tools and techniques for the Intelligence and Defense communities. Application areas involve data analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, intelligent systems, and software systems supporting these methods. The engineer/scientist will join a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of engineers and scientists.

We are seeking a highly qualified engineer/scientist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have active interest in applying software development and math/statistics/engineering concepts to solve multi-disciplinary problems. Candidate will have strong analytical skills and will be capable of translating ideas and proposed solutions into software tools and algorithms. The candidate should be familiar with improving/optimizing/tuning existing algorithms as well as development of new algorithms from scratch. This will include software design, software development, and debugging / issue resolution. The candidate should demonstrate a hands‑on approach to problem solving and must be willing to actively participate in evaluation of algorithm and system performance. Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and debugging skills are required.

Scientists/engineers who are passionate about applying their expertise to solve problems of national importance, have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and are seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth in a stable environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements

• The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of experience
• Strong software development skills and proficiency in Python
• Solid mathematical foundation (e.g., linear algebra, probability)
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: data modeling and analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, or intelligent agents
• Ability to work with data: preprocessing, transformation, and basic SQL or data storage concepts
• Proficiency in modern Python data and ML libraries (e.g., PyTorch, NumPy, Pandas/Polars)
• Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including testing, version control, and code review
• Experience going from problem statement to prototype to production-ready algorithms
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

Preferences

• PhD or MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience in cloud-based, parallel, or distributed computing
• Ability and desire to quickly learn new domains
• Experience working on intelligence and DoD programs
• Prior / existing DoD security clearance

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,112 employee‑owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women's Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/