Staff Mechanical Engineer — Energetics/UXS Hardware (Hybrid)

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a leading engineering firm supporting U.S. Government programs.

The Staff Mechanical Engineer will design equipment and interfaces for energetic material manufacturing and unmanned systems, producing 3D models in SolidWorks and 2D drawings in AutoCAD for release to manufacturing. Role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of design experience, GD&T proficiency, and the ability to travel between Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD; U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Strong GD&T knowledge (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience with FEA/simulation tools.
• Experience using a PDM system for CAD data management.
• U.S. Citizenship required and eligible for security clearance.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical equipment, components, and interfaces for chemical/energetic material manufacturing systems and unmanned systems hardware.
• Develop 3D models and assemblies in SolidWorks and produce 2D drawings in AutoCAD.
• Create manufacturing- and assembly-ready drawing packages, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Perform structural and mechanical analysis (FEA) to validate designs for strength, fatigue, and operational loading.
• Manage CAD data and revisions through a PDM system (e.g., SolidWorks PDM/Vault).
• Coordinate with chemical and process engineers to align equipment design with process requirements and DoD facility standards.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and site visits with government customers at Indian Head, MD.
• Consider hazard classification, explosive safety, and facility siting requirements when designing equipment for energetic material applications.
• Provide informal technical mentorship to junior engineers on design practices, drafting standards, and tools.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Security clearance readiness

Willingness to travel

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

PDM system

FEA/simulation tools

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a leading engineering firm supporting U.S. Government programs.

The Staff Mechanical Engineer will design equipment and interfaces for energetic material manufacturing and unmanned systems, producing 3D models in SolidWorks and 2D drawings in AutoCAD for release to manufacturing. Role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of design experience, GD&T proficiency, and the ability to travel between Arlington, VA and Indian Head, MD; U.S.