The Algorithm Modeling and Assessment Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. is looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our team! This is an exciting opportunity to help support a growing list of programs involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. In this role you will collaborate with project/program managers, explosives and munitions subject matter experts, and federal stakeholders to support research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. Candidates must be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders. Candidates for this position must be a US citizen residing within the US. This position is located at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC-IH) and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule. 

Responsibilities Include: 

Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.  Develop and implement strategies to meet project objectives while managing scope, schedule, and budget.  Monitor project performance and apply change management principles to address scope issues, risks, and resource constraints in collaboration with Project Controls Analysts.  Prepare detailed reports for senior leadership on project progress, challenges, and solutions.  Engage with federal agencies, corporate partners, and local officials to drive project success. Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.  Develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables. Lead regular client facing meetings to update progress and facilitate technical discussion.  Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards. 

Qualifications  

Bachelor's degree in engineering, management or other related discipline with 8 - 10 years of experience, or a Master's degree with 6 - 8 years of experience.   At least 2 years in a supervisory capacity.  PMP certification or equivalent project management training.  Proven experience managing DoD projects. Expertise in resource and risk management, with the ability to maximize ROI for large-scale projects.  Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.  Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in project 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.  Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.  US Citizenship and the ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications 

Degree in an engineering or related technical field is preferred.  Experience working with federal agencies is highly desirable.  Experience in managing production modernization projects/programs, particularly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities.  Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly preferred.  PMP certification is desirable.

Who is ARA? 

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,243 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. 

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.