Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer – Defense Manufacturing

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join the team at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC-IH).

The position requires US citizenship and involves leading safe, cost-effective manufacturing efforts for defense-related projects onsite. The role emphasizes planning, design, and oversight of process facilities, with strong emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with government agencies, vendors, and project managers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field with 2–4 years of related work experience, or a Master's with 0–2 years of experience.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Experience with energetic materials synthesis, monitoring, and scaling.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects with diverse stakeholders (government, contractors, vendors).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for safe and cost-efficient execution of manufacturing in complex production environments with federal clients.
• Understand design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
• Apply analytical techniques to support process development, troubleshooting and optimization; assist in development test plans.
• Oversee project execution with detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specs; coordinate with PMs.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors; communicate design, fabrication and testing requirements.
• Develop and execute goals with PMs; participate in client meetings to discuss progress and technical issues.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs; ensure compliance with standards and contractual terms.
• Produce process design documents including flow diagrams, narratives, BOMs, and SOPs; advise on safety standards for facilities.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process safety

Regulatory compliance

Technical communication

Energetic materials knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Master's degree in engineering (preferred)

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join the team at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC-IH).

The position requires US citizenship and involves leading safe, cost-effective manufacturing efforts for defense-related projects onsite. The role emphasizes planning, design, and oversight of process facilities, with strong emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with government agencies, vendors, and project managers.