Staff Chemist 1 (2 -4 years of experience)

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is currently seeking an experienced Chemist for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives & energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions SMEs, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. A strong technical background is necessary to provide creative technical solutions while participating in and leading small teams. An ideal candidate has experience in analytical techniques, small molecule synthesis or scaling from beaker to batch, creative design, and prior exposure to pyrotechnics, propellants, combustion reactions, or other high hazard chemical environments.

Responsibilities

Working and partnering with the client organizations, provide leadership and vision for safe and cost-effective execution of production capabilities for energetic materials and related applications (munitions, rockets, warheads, etc.). Candidates for this position must be a US citizen residing within the US.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with client representatives and key decision makers and achieve client satisfaction in all areas of performance.
• Quick to learn synthetic pathways for producing energetic materials and their precursors
• Familiarity with traditional analytical techniques (TGA, GC-MS, various spectroscopies)
• Basic understanding of mass and heat transport in chemical process systems.
• Continuous learning to ensure technical competence.
• Ensure proper execution of the project including planning, scheduling, procurements, per the customer’s requirements.
• In conjunction with the project managers develop, plan, and execute goals and objectives which support the client’s objectives.
• Responsible for the implementation of safety and quality programs by all project staff. Assure business practices align with Contract terms (scope of work).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Chemistry (or equivalent), with 2-4 years of experience, or a Masters with 0-2 years of experience.
• Experience in a wide variety of analytical technical for monitoring solvated and crystalized synthetic small molecule production.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and prioritization.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear written and oral briefings including the ability to adopt content for specific audiences.

• Support development of test plans, reports, presentations, laboratory safety assessment plans, standard operating procedures, and other support documentation.
• Maintain qualification in chemical, radiation, and laser safety, and explosive handling as mandated by facility procedures and training.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with the production, handling, processing, and design of energetic materials related to defense applications.
• Process engineering and integration knowledge is preferred.
• Knowledge of quality requirements and system qualification.
• Experience managing production modernization projects, including new capabilities design and development.
• Active DOD or DOE security clearance is preferred.

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 1,700 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. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

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