Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead

ARA; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned company

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead to head Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing in the Hard Target Mechanics Group in Albuquerque, NM.

You will plan, execute, and evaluate explosive testing programs that bolster hardened structures and energetic systems, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality data for defense missions. You will oversee project execution, budgeting, proposals, and customer relationships while shaping

Qualifications

• MS or MEng in Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience leading technical teams or projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, prediction, and execution of explosive effects testing on hardened structures, including blast doors, protective barriers, and critical infrastructure.
• Evaluate structural response and system performance under extreme loading conditions.
• Plan and safely execute full-scale field tests and technology demonstrations.
• Analyze test data and develop engineering recommendations for customers.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to government and industry stakeholders.
• Lead proposal development and capture efforts for new business.
• Build and maintain relationships with DoD, government, and industry customers.

Skills

Leadership

Technical leadership

Written & verbal communication

Project management

Education

MS/MEng in Mechanical/Civil/Structural/Aerospace

Tools

LS-DYNA

Abaqus

ANSYS

Autodyn

Job description

Lead cutting-edge explosive effects testing that helps protect critical infrastructure and advance national security. Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Engineer or Senior Scientist to lead Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing programs within our Hard Target Mechanics Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In this role, you will lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of explosive testing programs that improve the survivability of hardened structures and advance next-generation energetic systems. You'll work with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians to execute complex test programs, evaluate structural performance, and deliver high-quality data that supports critical defense missions.

This senior leadership position combines technical expertise with program management, customer engagement, and business development. You will oversee project execution, planning, budgeting, proposal development, and customer relationships while helping shape the growth of ARA's defense and protective construction portfolio.

Join our employee-owned company and help solve some of the nation's most challenging engineering problems while making a lasting impact on national security.

What you’ll do as a Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead

• Lead the design, prediction, and execution of explosive effects testing on hardened structures, including blast doors, protective barriers, and critical infrastructure.
• Evaluate structural response and system performance under extreme loading conditions.
• Plan and safely execute full-scale field tests and technology demonstrations.
• Analyze test data and develop engineering recommendations for customers.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to government and industry stakeholders.
• Lead proposal development and capture efforts for new business.
• Build and maintain relationships with DoD, government, and industry customers.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• MS or MEng in Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience in structural engineering, construction, or protective structures.
• Experience leading technical teams or projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with explosive testing or DoD Test & Evaluation programs.
• Experience with CFD, CSD, LS-DYNA, AUTODYN, Abaqus, ANSYS, or similar simulation tools.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes.
• Proposal writing and business development experience.

Job Location

• Onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities