Senior Propellant Engineer — Onsite Defense & Leadership

ARA; Indian Head (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Propellant Engineer to lead design, development, and deployment of energetic materials for national defense programs, with a focus on SOPs, QPPs, ACPs, and cross-disciplinary coordination on ECMP projects.

The role requires US citizenship, Interim Secret clearance eligibility, and onsite work at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head. Competitive salary ranges apply for an on-site defense role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace eng with 8–10 years propellant exp, or Master's with 6–8 years.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance.
• Analytical skills for synthesis, monitoring, and scaling energetic materials.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Process safety and material handling compliance.
• Leadership and mentoring of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work under high pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication for varied audiences.
• Ability to pass DOT medical exam and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, cost-effective manufacturing capability projects with federal clients.
• Understand design requirements to install new processes.
• Apply analytical methods for process development and troubleshooting.
• Plan, schedule, and procure projects per customer specs.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors on design/testing.
• Meet with clients to discuss progress and technical details.
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Produce process design docs, SOPs, and BOMs.
• Advise on safety standards for facility design.

Skills

Propellant engineering

Project management

Leadership

Technical analysis

Regulatory compliance

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Propellant Engineer to lead design, development, and deployment of energetic materials for national defense programs, with a focus on SOPs, QPPs, ACPs, and cross-disciplinary coordination on ECMP projects.

The role requires US citizenship, Interim Secret clearance eligibility, and onsite work at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head. Competitive salary ranges apply for an on-site defense role.