Senior Research Engineer (Electrical / Power Systems) - 1682

Sara INC; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

ESOP

Job summary

SARA, a Defense R&D enterprise, seeks a Senior Research Engineer (Electrical / Power Systems) for its Colorado Springs facility. Lead rapid R&D in high-power electromagnetics and power systems, guiding engineers and technicians on DoD and DoE programs.

Responsibilities include modeling, testing, and developing specifications, with an emphasis on strong communication and leadership while maintaining security clearances and working with multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or 8+ years related experience in power systems.
• Experience with DoD projects and security clearances preferred.
• Strong written/verbal communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to perform modeling and simulations to drive design decisions.

Responsibilities

• Perform self-guided engineering calculations using first principles.
• Model, simulate, and interpret real-world test data to solve problems.
• Develop specifications and requirements for power systems projects.
• Design and execute specialized tests and document results clearly.
• Collaborate with teams and deliver technical briefings.

Skills

Power systems

Electrical Engineering

Research & Development

Leadership & teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

8+ years direct power systems experience

Tools

Aspen

MATLAB

Python

DipTrace

Altium

SPICE

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Research Engineer (Electrical / Power Systems) - 1682

Full Time Colorado Springs, CO, US

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics, and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The High-Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) team at SARA is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Senior Research Engineerto support rapid Research & Development (R&D) and power systems research activities out of our facility in Colorado Springs, CO. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to grow, lead, and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-term programs and new programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors.

Core Responsibilities:

• Perform self-guided engineering calculations and apply physics first principles
• Solve engineering problems using modeling and simulation, interpreting real-world test data
• Execute self-guided engineering studies
• Develop specifications and requirements
• Design and execute specialized tests
• Write concise test plans, technical reports, maintain comprehensive project documentation, and deliver technical briefings
• Multitask and effectively collaborate with small or large engineering teams
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or additional experience in lieu of Master's degree)
• 8 years of directly applicable power systems Electrical Engineering experience
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent decision-making and leadership capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain TS DoD security clearance
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of experience and relevant research emphasis in Power Systems
  • Or complimentary experience in areas such as Pulsed Power, EMP, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal Processing, High Voltage Physics (1s to 100s of kilovolts), or Digital and Analog Controls
• P.E. Electrical and Computer: Power license or exam completion
• Experience using data acquisition equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, voltage probes, current probes, specialized test sets, and spectrum analyzers
• Experience testing and setting digital protective relays, commissioning switchgear, or substation design
• Experience with relevant modeling software such as one or more of the following:
  • Power system short-circuit, load-flow, EMT, dynamics (Aspen, SKM, RTDS, EMTP)
  • Mathematical scripting, modeling, analysis, or automation (MATLAB, Python)
  • Circuit modeling and board layout (Dip Trace, Altium, SPICE)
• Experience in analytical modeling and the scientific process
• Experience working cooperatively in team environments
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Ability to learn new skills and take new responsibilities
• Active DoD TS or DoE Q security clearance

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $135,000 to $180,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: November 9, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.