**Description** Applied Research Associates (ARA) is seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer to support infrastructure modernization and advanced manufacturing initiatives for the Department of Defense (DoD). This role supports facility and equipment integration efforts associated with mission-critical production environments. The selected candidate will contribute to mechanical and electro-mechanical design efforts, develop and manage large-scale 3D CAD models, generate DoD-compliant technical data packages, and support cross-disciplinary engineering teams executing complex federal programs. This position provides early-career engineers exposure to full lifecycle engineering — from conceptual layout development through detailed design, technical documentation, and formal design review. This will be an in-office position. **Key Responsibilities** + Develop and maintain large 3D CAD assemblies representing production equipment integrated within facility layouts. + Support spatial planning and equipment placement within secure manufacturing environments. + Ensure mechanical designs account for facility constraints, utilities, access, safety stand-offs, and maintainability. + Generate 2D engineering drawings from 3D models in accordance with DoD Technical Data Package (TDP) standards. + Apply applicable standards (e.g., ASME Y14 series, DoD drawing conventions, revision control practices). + Prepare bills of materials (BOMs), drawing notes, and configuration documentation. + Read, interpret, and produce wiring diagrams and basic electrical schematics. + Collaborate with electrical engineers to support control system integration and equipment automation. + Assist in defining electro-mechanical interfaces between production equipment and facility infrastructure. + Support senior engineers in defining system requirements and mechanical performance criteria. + Assist in developing technical specifications for procurement of equipment and subsystems. + Contribute to trade studies and design down-selection analyses. + Participate in internal engineering reviews and customer-facing design reviews. + Prepare technical briefing materials and drawing packages for presentation. + Support action item resolution and configuration updates following design reviews. **Required Qualifications** + Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. + 0–2 years of relevant engineering experience (internships and co-op experience considered). + U.S. Citizenship Required. + Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance required. + Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or similar). + Familiarity with generating 2D engineering drawings from 3D models. + Working knowledge of mechanical drafting standards. + Ability to read basic electrical schematics and wiring diagrams. + Strong organizational and configuration management skills. **Preferred Qualifications** + Exposure to industrial equipment, manufacturing systems, or facility design. + Familiarity with DoD or federal engineering documentation practices. + Experience working with large multi-disciplinary CAD assemblies. + Basic understanding of control systems and electro-mechanical integration. **COMPANY INFORMATION:** Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,243 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics. 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 employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging and 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. **Qualifications** **Education** **Required** + Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering **Experience** **Required** + 0-2 years: Relevant work experience with Bachelors. 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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.