Staff Mechanical Engineer – Defense Manufacturing Lead

ARA; McAlester (OK); On-site; USD 87,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the defense-focused team at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. The role requires US citizenship and on-site work, with interim Secret clearance eligibility.

You will assist senior engineers with cost proposals, project planning, SOPs, QPPs, ACPs, and coordination across government agencies, contractors, and vendors. The position emphasizes leadership, safety, and compliance in a fast-paced environment, producing

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's in mechanical engineering or related field, with 2–4 years' experience, or a Master's with 0–2 years.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance are required.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders including government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Strong knowledge of process safety and regulatory compliance is needed.

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.
• Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements.
• In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to terms, scope, and standards.
• Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, narratives, BOMs, and SOPs.
• Provide input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Security clearance readiness

Project management

Leadership

Communication skills

Process safety

Energetic materials knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Master's degree

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the defense-focused team at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. The role requires US citizenship and on-site work, with interim Secret clearance eligibility.

You will assist senior engineers with cost proposals, project planning, SOPs, QPPs, ACPs, and coordination across government agencies, contractors, and vendors. The position emphasizes leadership, safety, and compliance in a fast-paced environment, producing