Senior Engineer/Scientist 1 – Structural Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing Lead

Posted: Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Valid Thru: Friday, 17 July 2026
Index Requested on: 06/18/2026 03:46:45
Indexed on: 06/18/2026 03:46:46

Location: Albuquerque, NM, 87101, US

Industry: Aerospace/Defense
Occupational Category: 55-0000.00 - Military Specific
Type of Employment: FULL_TIME

Test Technology Division (TTD), a division of Applied Research Associates, Inc, is hiring!

Description:

Are you interested in leading and advancing Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing programs and capture efforts? Do you have experience with structural design or construction, CFD/CSD modeling, and fielding of explosives tests? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Engineer or Senior Scientist to serve as technical Lead with the Hard Target Mechanics Group in the Test Technology Division in Albuquerque, NM. Join us in developing innovative solutions to develop structural designs that withstand shock physics effects and design energetic systems. You will assess the performance of design concepts through comprehensive test and evaluation programs, collecting high-quality data to support critical mission needs.

This position will include a mix of technical, leadership, business development, and program management skills. The ideal candidate will apply leadership skills with our technical team to plan, test, and evaluate advanced systems for the Defense Industry and Protective Construction. You will apply your subject matter expertise and leadership skills to execute our group vision, growth strategy, and work with our teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians. You will manage projects and be responsible for project planning, scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and proposals. Come join an exciting employee-owned company solving complex problems of national security.

As a Structural Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing Lead with ARA you will:

  • Evaluate the vulnerability of structures such as hardened columns and blast doors by designing, predicting, and conducting energetic effects phenomenology testing.
  • Test and evaluate effectiveness of energetic systems.
  • Plan and safely execute technology demonstrations and field-testing campaigns.
  • Analyze data and perform calculations to support customers in understanding phenomenology and structure response.
  • Author comprehensive technical reports to describe test methods, interpret data, report findings, and provide recommendations.
  • Contribute to proposals and lead new program capture.
  • Work with the defense industry and military customers.

Structural Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing Lead Requirements:

  • US citizen with an active DoD Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain one.
  • MS or Meng. in mechanical engineering, civil/structural engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
  • Structural engineering experience in the design and/or construction of buildings, bridges, tunnels, or infrastructure.
  • Able to lead teams, programs, and business areas.
  • Ability to handle technical project planning & monthly reporting including financials.
  • Team player with excellent presentation and written/oral communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to understand and solve complex problems.
  • Interest in learning new engineering tools and strong system engineering background.

Structural Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing Lead Preferences:

  • Active DoD SECRET or higher security clearance.
  • Experience working with DoD test and evaluation programs.
  • Understanding of DoD acquisitions processes.
  • Computational modeling and simulation skillset specific to structural response and energetics modeling.

Job Location:

  • Onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM

Experience

Required
  • 6 - 8 years: Relevant work experience.

Education

Required
  • Masters or better in Engineering or related field

Behaviors

Required
  • Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
  • Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
  • 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

Required
  • 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
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 notice from the Department of Labor.

Responsibilities:

Please review the job description.

Educational requirements:

  • high school

Desired Skills:

See job description

Benefits:

Please see the job description for benefits.

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