Senior Prototyping & Experimentation Analyst

Applied Research Associates, Inc; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Senior Prototyping & Experimentation Analyst to support the Government in large technology programs within the MCC Division.

This role involves work in a classified DoW acquisition environment, with focus on prototyping, experiments, and rigorous analysis of advanced capabilities. The candidate will provide independent assessments of tests, synthesize findings into clear summaries, and contribute to planning and execution of demonstrations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Top Secret clearance with SCI and SAP eligibility required.
• 10-12 years of experience in classified operations effectiveness and acquisition systems analysis.
• Experience developing defense acquisition system performance measures (requirements, KPIs).
• Experience supporting test & evaluation efforts and producing high-quality technical docs.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to technical assessments and program evaluations.
• Provide independent assessments of laboratory or experimental/prototype tests.
• Support scientific reviews with expert feedback on strengths and weaknesses of RDT&E programs.
• Provide technical expertise to analyze and summarize findings of emerging technologies.
• Conduct quantitative analyses of tech/mission engineering requirements for prototyping and insertion of advanced capabilities.
• Plan, coordinate, and assist with testing and evaluation of demonstrations/prototypes.
• Perform and deliver work with limited direction.

Skills

Security clearance

Program evaluation

Technical analysis

Documentation

Research & development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Senior Prototyping & Experimentation Analyst

The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Prototyping & Experimentation Analyst with a background supporting the Government in the execution of large technology programs. This position will support the Office of the Secretary of War Research & Engineering’s Prototyping & Experimentation Office. This work requires a candidate with a background in classified technical program or project management, acquisition, or analytical support of government Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and the DoW Acquisition environment.

This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected begin in August 2026.

Essential Functions:

• Contribute to technical assessments and program evaluations
• Provide independent assessments of laboratory or experimental/prototype tests
• Support scientific reviews to include in-depth expert feedback as to the strengths and weaknesses of research and development programs/proposals
• Provide technical expertise to research, analyze, and summarize findings of emerging technologies and advanced capabilities
• Conduct quantitative analyses of technology/mission engineering/system engineering requirements as they pertain to the development, prototyping, and insertion of advanced capabilities
• Plan, coordinate, and assist with the testing and engineering evaluation of demonstrations, experiments, and/or prototypes.
• Perform and deliver work with limited direction

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Top Secret security clearance with SCI and SAP eligibility
• 10-12 years’ experience performing classified operations effectiveness and acquisition systems analysis
• Experience supporting the development of defense acquisition system's performance measures, including system requirements definition, key performance parameters, and measures of performance and effectiveness
• Experience support test and evaluation efforts
• Experience producing high-quality technical documentation for complex systems, with an ability to synthesize data into clear and impactful summaries

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree from an accredited academic institution
• Experience writing for a DoW audience
• Experience supporting the Office of the Secretary of War supporting acquisition and R&D programs

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership generates greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

ExperienceRequired

• 10 - 12 years: Experience performing classified operation

EducationRequired

• Bachelors or better

BehaviorsRequired

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

MotivationsRequired

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Job Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

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.