The Southwest Division (SWD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a FEA/CFD Subject Matter Expert to be an expert with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes such as ANSYS ®, LS-DYNA®, CFX ®, FLUENT ®. The position develops in-depth technical assessments, analysis and model creation for Department of Defense (DoD) weapon programs. The successful candidate will perform research and development which requires solutions to complex dynamic structural problems. The goal of the research is to support investigations into the behavior of those processes and advance investigations into the vulnerabilities of those processes. The position requires providing technical support, documentation and presentation of the modeling and simulation outputs to the program team both internal and external. The position also requires mentorship, training and sharing of expertise with junior counterparts and supports exercises to test new methodologies and analytical tools that are under development.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies for solving complex and nationally important problems
• Construct explicit finite element meshes of complex geometries
• Conduct finite element analyses of challenging dynamic structural problems that include contact, nonlinear material behavior and fracture using the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA
• Perform engineering analyses on a variety of projects and prepare supporting documentation detailing technical results
• Develop new material constitutive models for LS-DYNA based on available test data and engineering judgement
• Troubleshoot and develop solutions for modeling and simulation challenges for the team
• Act in role of technical mentor for more junior modeling and simulation engineers within the team
• Develop data analysis techniques through development of appropriate codes/scripts
• Conduct face-to-face meetings and prepare inputs for technical and cost proposals

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within or lead a team of peers, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior-level government representatives.
• Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results and site characterizations.
• Expertise with ANSYS ®, LS-DYNA®, CFX ®, FLUENT ®.
• 6 - 8 years of experience in solving DoD engineering/science problems.
• Practical experience in mechanical engineering structural modeling or fluid modeling.
• Direct experience supporting DoD programs.
• Expert knowledge and use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Modeling and simulation expertise with weaponeering and engineering analysis tools or similar.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Engineering or Physics.
• 10 years of experience in solving DoD engineering/science problems.
• Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional defeat of hard targets and underground facilities.
• TS clearance with eligibility for SCI based upon a SSBI in the last five years.

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 1200 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.

Experience

• 6 - 8 years: Relevant work experience

Education

• Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)