Research and Development Engineer jobs in Decatur, AL

Prototype Research & Development Engineer Job Description:

This position is ideal for candidates motivated by having autonomy over the planning, execution, and ownership of delivered products within a team environment. You will develop concept solutions, plan your project, and execute building and testing of advanced hardware and/or software prototypes.  ARA offers learning opportunities to help you grow your technical and professional skills by working with our top industry subject matter experts (SMEs), while allowing you to pursue the work you are passionate about.    

ARA is a leading innovator in aerospace technology, dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions to our customers. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in solving problems of national importance. We are seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and imaginative Engineer who will apply their innovative ideas and leading-edge research to develop innovative solutions that outpace our adversaries. You will be part of teams that plays pivotal roles in the development, and enhancement of state-of-the-art defense systems.  

 Prototype Research & Development Engineer Job Duties include:

• Work and collaborate in a cross-functional team environment.
• Provide innovative “out of the box” ideas and shape them into solutions with our SMEs.
• Work with prototype and manufacturing teams to ensure producibility of designs.
• Provide hands-on support to the build and integration of prototype systems.
• Create and update mechanical designs, drawings, CAD models and other artifacts in the development of prototype systems.
• Support teams using knowledge of engineering principles to understand the performance, durability, and vulnerabilities of weapon systems.
• Use mechanical and CAD design skills to enhance the integration and functionality of structural systems.
• Research and work may include modeling, analysis, applying multi-physics modeling tools, lethality and vulnerability, and other advancements in mechanical design.
• Demonstrate system technologies, participate in, collect, and validate test information, and interact with customers and clients (travel may be involved).

Prototype Research & Development Engineer Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5 years of related experience
• US Citizen, able to receive and maintain Security Clearance

Prototype Research & Development Engineer Required Skills:

• Effectively work with small teams and geographically separated teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong proficiency in engineering design with SolidWorks is a must.
• Familiarity with prototyping and general machining methods and designs.
• Experience in the aerospace field, with a focus on weapon systems, missile defense and/or mechanical design.
• Knowledge of air vehicle design principles and methodologies.
• Ability to analyze failure modes and effects, identify system vulnerabilities, and propose effective solutions.
• Proficiency in standard computer technology software (documentation, presentation, spreadsheet).

Additional Consideration for:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field.
• Experience with digital engineering design applications and ecosystems.
• Proficiency in software development tools (i.e., Java, Git, Jira, MatLab, Game Engine, etc.).
• Familiarity with system and system of systems reliability, lethality, and vulnerability methods.
• Experience in Finite Element Analysis tools.
• Experience with weapon effects tools and methods

 Company and Division Information

At ARA, we are committed to fostering an environment of innovation, professional growth, and job satisfaction. As a key player in the defense aerospace industry, we offer:

• Exciting Projects: Work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to defense solutions that make a difference.
• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning opportunities, top field expert mentors, and career advancement.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of experts who are passionate about solving difficult problems in the defense industry.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

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 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. We provide sophisticated technical products in the Weaponeering, Intelligence, Missile Defense, Space, AI/ML and Modeling and Simulation fields that solve difficult problems for the Department of Defense.  ARA, Emerald Coast Division in Huntsville Alabama is new to the ARA family and growing.  We are looking for bright, motivated, and energetic individuals to help us grow this exciting new segment in missile defense and hypersonics. 

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 its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as employee 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). Our motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.