Weapons Systems Engineer

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a qualified candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 7–9 years of experience in weapons and munitions Systems Engineering.

The role includes collaborating with Program Managers and other functional leads, supporting requirements development, and engaging with contractors and government stakeholders. An active Secret clearance is necessary, and candidates should be willing to travel for test activities and program support.

Qualifications

• 7–9 years of experience supporting DoD or Army or Air Force programs.
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain Top‑Secret clearance.
• Familiarity with weapons certification and safety processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in weapons and munitions Systems Engineering.
• Support requirements development and system architecture.
• Engage with stakeholders in meetings and design reviews.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Risk Management

Analytical skills

Oral and written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Model Based Systems Engineering tools

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in weapons and munitions Systems Engineering to support a team, working day‑to‑day with Program Managers, Lead Engineers, and functional leads.
• Support requirements development, trade studies, system architecture, and interface definition for weapons and munitions across the system life cycle (development, integration, test, fielding, and sustainment).
• Review and assess contractor technical data, designs, analyses, and test plans to ensure compliance with system requirements, safety standards, and government intent.
• Engage with prime contractors and government stakeholders during technical interchange meetings, design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), and working groups to resolve technical issues and risks.
• Support weapons and munitions integration activities, including platform interfaces, stores compatibility, employment concepts, and certification considerations.
• Participate in developmental and operational test planning and execution, including travel to test sites, range activities, and post‑test analysis and reporting.
• Identify technical risks, assess impacts to cost/schedule/performance, and provide actionable recommendations to the government team to inform program decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
• 7–9 years of experience supporting DoD or Army or Air Force weapons, munitions, or stores integration programs.
• Working knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, requirements management, risk management, and technical reviews.
• Ability to analyze contractor technical products and communicate findings clearly to government stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel in support of test and program activities.
• Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance.
• Ability to perform requirements identification, analysis, documentation, and tracking.
• Ability to analyze customer needs and turn them into system requirements.
• Ability to work with customers in a test environment.
• Ability to develop improved methods to increase program efficiency.
• Team player with a proactive attitude.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting DOW programs.
• Familiarity with weapons certification, airworthiness, safety, and/or MIL‑STD compliance processes.
• Experience with developmental and operational test planning and execution.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, life‑cycle management, and risk management practices.
• Previous experience working with major defense prime contractors on weapons or munitions programs.
• Active Top‑Secret clearance or experience working in SCI/SAP environments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical tasks while effectively supporting Government‑led teams in a collaborative role.
• Ability to use statistical analysis methods and tools.
• Knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices.

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.