Senior Chemical Engineer

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Algorithms, Modeling and Assessments Division is currently seeking an experienced Chemical Engineer for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. An ideal candidate has experience in analytical techniques, small molecule synthetic scaling from beaker to batch, technical prowess and creative design, and knowledge of program management. Candidates for this position must be a US citizen residing within the US.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.
• Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
• Apply analytical techniques to support process development, troubleshooting, and optimization. Assist in development chemical test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.
• Utilize foundational knowledge of mass and heat transport phenomena in chemical process systems to support robust process design.
• Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications. Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
• In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables. Participate in regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.
• Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

Due to the nature of work performed, candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for a Department of Defense Secret, or higher, level security clearance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry, with 8 years of experience in chemical process design, particularly in the context of energetic materials.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a clearance.
• Proven proficiency in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials, including the ability to manage solvated and crystallized small molecule production.
• Strong background in process engineering, with expertise in scale-up and synthesis.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master's with 6-8 years of relevant work experience or Ph.D. with 3-5 years of relevant work experience) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• Extensive experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials for defense applications.
• Deep understanding of process engineering integration, especially within complex production environments for explosives and energetic materials.
• Experience in managing production modernization projects, particularly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities.
• Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly preferred.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,292 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our 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 also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company. 

To find out more about what the Algorithms, Modeling & Assessments Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/