Staff Engineering Aide 1

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Staff Engineering Aide 1 to join a multi-disciplinary team researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection. The role focuses on operating and maintaining diverse laser systems in a government-lab setting.

The position requires 2–3 years of lab experience, ability to obtain DoD clearance, and strong attention to safety, data collection, and collaboration with partners across government and industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience in laboratory research or related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Operate diverse laser and optical equipment safely and accurately.
• Comfort working in a laboratory environment with strict safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain complex laser-based experimental setups for research objectives.
• Assist with optical alignment, beam conditioning, and diagnostics under supervision.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; report results clearly.
• Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting tests.
• Maintain lab safety, documentation, and equipment readiness for testing.

Skills

Laser systems operation

Optical diagnostics

Data analysis

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Rocky Mountain Division is seeking to hire a contingent position for a Staff Engineering Aide 1 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space.

This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate's resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operating complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
• Conduct experiments under guidance of staff engineers, with strong awareness of hazards and with careful attention to detail.
• Assist engineers with optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities.
• Assist with performing data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
• Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
• Assist with documenting experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with government, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners.
• Maintain clean, functional, and organized laboratory space including organization and storage of hardware and test equipment.
• Prepare and set up instrumentation, including assemblies for laboratory and field testing.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, test, and maintain equipment, components, devices, or systems.
• Track and maintain electronic test equipment including oscilloscopes, analog meters, digital multi-meter and optical detectors.
• Order and maintain stock of laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Maintain accurate accounts of time, labor, materials, and equipment for work performed.
• Prepare oral and written reports as necessary.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Experience with laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
• General understanding in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
• Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW or similar programs. Experience translating laboratory results into mission-relevant insights and recommendations.
• Strong technical communication skills when dealing with internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience in laboratory research.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Operate a variety of specialized testing equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DoD laboratories.
• Technical training, or work in a related field.
• Positive attitude and excellent communication in order to facilitate smooth collaboration with multiple technical project teams.
• Experience with lab environment, including using personal protective equipment, conducting experiments, taking data and reporting results.
• Experience machining plastics and metals.
• Familiarity with MS Office environmen