Mechanical Engineer

Do you enjoy applying cutting edge modeling and simulation tools to solve complex engineering problems and want to join a team that is actively changing the landscape of simulation-based design methodologies?  Applied Research Associates, Inc. is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer to work in our Concept Development Group (CDG), Southwest Division, located in Albuquerque, NM. ARA’s CDG is a recognized leader in air delivered weapons development, high fidelity shock response modeling, and hard target penetration mechanics.  The group is at the forefront of providing digitally engineered solutions to challenging and nationally important weapons related problems.  ARA’s CDG is currently working multiple technologically challenging efforts, requiring an individual who is capable of immediate technical and team mentorship contributions.

The successful Mechanical Engineer candidate will have the opportunity to interface directly with high-level government clients and will have the responsibility to communicate the results of his or her work to customers.  This individual will work closely with other analysts, engineers, and program managers in a highly collaborative environment.  The successful candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including US citizenship.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies for solving complex and nationally important problems
• Construct 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
• Help troubleshoot and develop solutions for modeling and simulation challenges with a team
• Assist in conducting face-to-face meetings and help prepare inputs for technical and cost proposals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related
• At least one Finite Element Analysis (or equivalent) course
• 2-4 years of experience utilizing advanced finite element analysis software packages such as LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, etc. to perform nonlinear mechanical structural analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team of peers
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Experience applying LS-DYNA to perform high-strain rate structural response modeling
• Secret (or equivalent) clearance in the last 5 years
• Experience developing data analysis codes using programming codes such as Fortran, Python, Matlab, C++, etc
• Experience developing cost and technical proposals
• Direct experience with Unix/Linux/Windows operating systems and computer programming languages

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 1,500 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. 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.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Required

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

Motivations

Required

• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Required

• Bachelor of Engineering or better.
• Preferred
• Bachelor of Science or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Bachelors or better in Physics or related field.

Experience

Required

2-4 years: Experience utilizing advanced finite element analysis software packages.

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)