Staff Mechanical Engineer

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

Description

ARA's team solves problems related to national defense and security. We are actively searching for a Mechanical Engineer to join our team. The Staff Engineer will perform project engineering duties such as preparation of cost proposals, planning project execution, providing technical oversight and solutions, preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), preparing Quality Project Plans (QPPs) and Alternate Control Plans (ACPs). Engineers will locate, review, and verify Technical Data Packages (TDP), MIL SPEC/MIL STDs and resolve technical issues by submitting and tracking Request for Variance(s) for OR-99s, and ORDALTS.

Work Environment Details:

The duties of this role must be performed entirely onsite within a high-activity environment that features standard industrial/office lighting and ambient noise. Because continuous proximity to the team and operations is an essential function of the position, certain workspace modifications-such as isolating the worker in a quiet, dimly lit, or entirely private office-cannot be accommodated while fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.

Employment is contingent upon the successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance, granted by the sponsoring agency.

Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be US citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

As a Staff Mechanical Engineer at NSWC-IH, your position will include the following key responsibilities.

• Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.
• Acquire in-depth understanding of 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 to validate to support proof on concept designs.
• Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications. Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
• In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables. Participate in regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.
• Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

Staff Mechanical Engineer Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related scientific 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.
• Proven proficiency in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam.
• Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

Staff Mechanical Engineer Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in an engineering or related technical field is preferred.
• Extensive experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials for defense applications.
• Deep understanding of process engineering integration, especially within comple