**Description** Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a highly capable mechanical or structural engineer to support the design of specialized DoD infrastructure contributing directly to process and facility designs. The selected candidate will play a key role in developing ARA’s internal design capability to support energetics manufacturing and testing infrastructure. The candidate will contribute mechanical and/or structural engineering expertise across facility layouts, process integration, and equipment interface design. This position will report into Senior Program and Engineering Leadership in Arlington, VA and will collaborate directly with mechanical/systems engineering teams, A&E subcontractors, and Government stakeholders. This position will not have direct reporting employees. **Responsibilities:** + Develop internal mechanical and structural designs for energetics and high-hazard process systems, including preliminary equipment layouts, utility requirements, support structure design, and facility interface drawings. + Utilize CAD software to model structures and systems. Work with facility, process, and systems engineering teams to integrate and collaborate designs to form process and facility design packages. + Perform engineering calculations and modeling to support design of mechanical systems, process layouts, and structural framing for custom manufacturing infrastructure. + Compile presentations outlining technical achievements and progress. Assist in presenting design rationale and technical data packages to Government customers. + Review and comment on A&E design submittals (30%, 60%, 90%, IFC), ensuring they reflect technical requirements for process equipment, mechanical utilities, and structural systems. + Coordinate and evaluate geotechnical reports, topographic surveys, and hazardous materials assessments to inform structural and mechanical design decisions. + Serve as an internal subject matter expert in mechanical or structural design, supporting R&D teams on the development of innovative process infrastructure. + Collaborate with chemical and systems engineers to develop facility and process layouts that align with operational requirements and DoD design criteria. + Interface with A&E subcontractors to ensure detailed design packages align with internal engineering solutions and program goals. **Required Qualifications:** + U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance. + Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical, Structural, or Civil Engineering, with demonstrated experience in facility and process system design. + 5+ years of technical engineering experience, including mechanical or structural system design, modeling, and facility integration. + Hands-on experience developing 2D/3D design packages using CAD tools; ability to generate and review engineering drawings and perform supporting calculations. + Working knowledge of Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), NAVSEA OP 5, and DoD safety and siting standards. + Ability to coordinate with external A&E teams and review cross-discipline (structural, mechanical, civil, architectural) design documentation with a focus on technical accuracy and feasibility. **Desired Qualifications:** + Advanced degree (Master's with 3-5 years of relevant work experience or Ph.D. with 0-2 years of relevant work experience) in Mechanical or Structural Engineering or related technical field. + Prior experience in the design of infrastructure supporting energetics, explosives, or hazardous material processing. + Knowledge of facility siting, safety zones, and process hazard mitigation approaches. + Active DoD clearance preferred but not required. + Experience with mechanical part manufacturing, assembly, and testing. + Reverse engineering of mechanical products (including electro-mechanical). + Experience with additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping. + Experience with GD&T and CMM processes. + Experience with UAS design a plus. **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 2,328 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. ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. We believe in the importance of open and honest communication as well as work/life balance. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company. To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/ ARA is an EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran employer **Qualifications** **Education** **Required** + Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering **Preferred** + Doctor of Philosophy or better in Mechanical Engineering + Masters or better in Mechanical Engineering 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.