The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking to contingently hire a motivated, energetic, and experienced SPSS Technical Writer to support the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) under the Specialized Program Support Services (SPSS) contract. The successful candidate will support OUSW(R&E) in its oversight of science and technology to solve current and future technological challenges for the Department of War (DoW). This on-site position is in the National Capital Region.

 

This position will support the Assistant Secretary of War for Mission Capabilities (ASW(MC)), focusing on accelerating the development and integration of new technologies to maintain U.S. technological superiority. The successful candidate will be responsible for writing speeches, presentations, and other communications, conduct research on major technical issues and trends, and ensure all content is engaging, customer-specific, and responsive to high-profile issues. The candidate will produce communication products through a wide range of styles and formats, including formal speeches, presentations, blogs, videos, letters, articles, op-ed and bylined pieces, and social media channels.

This position is contingent upon winning the SPSS contract, customer acceptance of the successful candidate’s resume, and security clearance verification. We expect contract award in late 2025 or early 2026.

Essential Functions:

Develop presentations, materials, and speeches in support of engagements and events Advise and develop communications regarding science, technology, research and engineering, and developmental test activities within the DoW Meet with and consult with customers on a regular basis on messaging and communications strategies Deliver high-quality read-aheads, briefings, and correspondence on time, ensuring accuracy and senior-leader readiness Tailor messages to serve the needs of different audiences

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications from an accredited college or university Two (2) years of experience in communications or public affairs Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility Ability to execute effectively in a DoW staff environment, and communicate effectively across audiences and at senior levels of Government Proficiency with social media and the ability to develop and carry out social media communication strategies

Preferred Qualifications:

Three (3) years of relevant experience in communications or public affairs Strong technical foundation with the ability to grasp diverse DoW technologies and communicate effectively with stakeholders Recent OASW(MC) experience as Government employee or contractor

 

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 2000 professionals. 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 fosters 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 visit our website at www.ara.com.

 

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the SPSS Technical Writer position.