The Analytical Solutions Division (ASD) of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc., has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Staff Drafter working in our Huntsville, AL facility. The potential candidate will provide innovative computer aided design and drawings based on engineering sketches and proposal specifications. This will include design, development, evaluation, and modification of systems and system-oriented products. This position will require a detail-oriented individual to digitize, edit, and revise engineering drawings of components, parts, circuits, structures and/or assemblies. The complexity of assignments requires exercise of considerable initiative, latitude, independent judgment, and the ability to work independently with only general technical direction.

What a Staff Drafter does (may not be all inclusive):

• Collaborate with the engineering team to understand and interpret their design concepts, sketches, and technical specifications
• Develop design drawings according to engineering sketches and proposal specifications
• Digitize, edit, and revise engineering drawings of components, parts, circuits, structures and/or assemblies
• Work closely with the engineering team to address any design-related challenges, providing support and adjustments as needed
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, drafting techniques, and software advancements, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation in the design process
• Manage and organize design files, patterns, and technical documentation in a systematic manner to facilitate seamless information sharing within the factory
• Conduct regular quality checks on the final products, ensuring they adhere to the established design specifications and industry standards
• Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments

Staff Drafter Experience and Skills Needed:

• High School diploma (or equivalent) plus advanced training and 4 years of relevant experience
• Proficiency in using the computer aided design and modeling software
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Possess a thorough knowledge of SolidWorks and features in SW drawings environment
• Strong attention to detail and precision in translating designs into accurate technical specifications
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with the engineering, design, and production teams
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges
• A passion for staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written
• Job requires constant pushing, pulling, standing for long periods of time, climbing, reaching, grasping, bending, and stooping and candidate must be able to lift up to 50lbs
• Be physically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a SECRET clearance from the US Department of Defense
• Be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred/Nice to Have:

• Active / current SECRET Clearance from the US Department of Defense
• 2 years’ experience in drafting field
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks Surfacing

ARA 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 2122 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 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 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 Staff Drafter position.

Experience

• 4 - 5 years: Relevant drafting experience

Behaviors

• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

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)