Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead

Lead cutting-edge explosive effects testing that helps protect critical infrastructure and advance national security. Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Engineer or Senior Scientist to lead Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing programs within our Hard Target Mechanics Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In this role, you will lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of explosive testing programs that improve the survivability of hardened structures and advance next-generation energetic systems. You'll work with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians to execute complex test programs, evaluate structural performance, and deliver high-quality data that supports critical defense missions.

This senior leadership position combines technical expertise with program management, customer engagement, and business development. You will oversee project execution, planning, budgeting, proposal development, and customer relationships while helping shape the growth of ARA's defense and protective construction portfolio.

Join our employee-owned company and help solve some of the nation's most challenging engineering problems while making a lasting impact on national security.

What you’ll do as a Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead

• Lead the design, prediction, and execution of explosive effects testing on hardened structures, including blast doors, protective barriers, and critical infrastructure.
• Evaluate structural response and system performance under extreme loading conditions.
• Plan and safely execute full-scale field tests and technology demonstrations.
• Analyze test data and develop engineering recommendations for customers.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to government and industry stakeholders.
• Lead proposal development and capture efforts for new business.
• Build and maintain relationships with DoD, government, and industry customers.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• MS or MEng in Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience in structural engineering, construction, or protective structures.
• Experience leading technical teams or projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with explosive testing or DoD Test & Evaluation programs.
• Experience with CFD, CSD, LS-DYNA, AUTODYN, Abaqus, ANSYS, or similar simulation tools.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes.
• Proposal writing and business development experience.

Job Location:

• Onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM

Company Details:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979. We employ over 2,300 professionals and continue to grow. ARA 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 has a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities