Staff Mechanical Engineer (22401.2)

Applied-Research-Associates,-Inc; Indian Head (MD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. in Indian Head, MD is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to support energetic materials projects. The role requires developing SOPs, cost proposals, and technical oversight with strong writing and presentation abilities.

The position is onsite at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head, requires US citizenship, interim secret clearance, and a proactive, high-performance work style in a busy defense environment.

Qualifications

• SOP writing knowledge and safety review processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Capability to obtain required security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, route, and gain safety approval of SOPs.
• Prepare cost proposals and assist in planning project execution.
• Provide technical oversight and ensure quality requirements are met.
• Communicate project results orally and in writing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Process safety

Leadership

Written & verbal communication

Security clearance

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Job description

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following our Accessibility Accomodation for Applicants page.

Staff Mechanical Engineer (22401.2)

• Posted on October 20, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Indian Head, MD 20640, USA

• On-site
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: STAFF010165

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 engineer will assist in project execution of energetic operations in M41. They will be required to develop, write, demonstrate, route, and gain safety approval of standard operating procedures. Knowledge of SOP writing, general engineering knowledge of mixing, pressing and/or machining technologies, and understanding of typical safety review processes is required. The engineer will also perform basic project engineering duties to include: preparing cost proposals, assist in planning project execution, assist in providing technical oversight, ensuring quality requirements are met, contribute to development of engineering solutions to problems, and communicate project results both orally and in writing.

Work Environment Details: This position operates entirely onsite in a high-activity environment that features an open-plan layout collaborative workspace where visual line-of-sight monitoring and immediate verbal team communication are required at all times. The workspace features active operational equipment, standard facility fluorescent light and ambient machinery noise. Regular, in-person interaction with on-site team members in this workspace are essential functions 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.

Requirements of a Mechanical Enginee r

• 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.
• 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.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are , what we do , the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices .

Anticipated Salary Range: $87,000 - $115,000

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelor of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.