Research Scientist​/Engineer

The Integrated Products Division (IPD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Research Scientist / Engineer to join its Advanced Technology Team. In this role, you will work with a team of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers to solve challenging technical issues, lead research and development initiatives, and write proposals to acquire new projects for the division. IPD has 5 major focus areas:
Robotics, Geotechnical Products, Sustainable Infrastructure and Security, Contract Engineering and Manufacturing, and Advanced Technology. The Advanced Technology vertical focuses on developing new technologies for both commercial and DoD applications. Technological successes from the team include microrobotics technology development (Microrobotics - ARA), Pathfinder Team Awareness Kit Integration (Pathfinder: Advanced Intrusion Detection - ARA), and advanced payload capabilities for autonomous robotic vehicles (Switchback - ARA).

The anticipated salary for this position ranges from $87,000 to $97,000/year, depending on education and experience.

ARA also offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about our benefits at

• Work with a multi-disciplinary team of research scientists, engineers and technicians in tackling challenging technical tasks toward delivering solutions.
• Develop hardware and software solutions to difficult challenges across IPD verticals.
• Develop experimental plans, define performance metrics, and carry out experiments individually or in a group.
• Travel to job sites to perform project work, interface with customers, and help promote ARA technology to clients.
• Pursue opportunities for both existing ARA technology and new technology conceived from the Advanced Technology Team – including proposal submissions for projects and IR&Ds.
• Help lead internal research and development efforts and solve technical issues across IPD projects.
• Work between office, laboratory, and shop manufacturing environments.
• Generate data, write detailed technical reports, and provide presentations to stakeholders.

• Master’s degree (MS) in physics, science, engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience following an MS degree.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well with different functional groups (Business development, marketing, engineering, manufacturing, etc.).
• A self‑starter that is not afraid to dive into the unknown alone and has demonstrated workplace agility in fast‑paced environments.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and quickly understand complex subjects.
• Team‑player attitude with a healthy dose of skepticism.

• PhD in physics, science, engineering, or related discipline.
• Familiarity with robotics, machine learning techniques, advanced ground/aerial vehicle systems, manufacturing processes, programming, PCB electronics design, RF communication, simulation, artificial intelligence, and documentation.
• Experience with embedded Linux systems.
• Expertise in C++, Matlab, and/or Python software.
• Familiarity with ROS2, Nix, Unreal Engine, CARLA, Project
  
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• Experience and comfort working in a chemical, biological, and/or engineering laboratory.
• Multidisciplinary skills in different engineering fields.
• Experience with laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, fume hoods, PPE, biosafety cabinets, pipettes, electromagnetic systems, microscopes, and spectrophotometers.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage artificial intelligence and understand its limitations.
• Proven ability to document, present, and communicate complex subjects to diverse audiences.
• Understanding of defense contracting, finances, and project management.
• Familiarity with the Shipley Method for proposal writing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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