Principal Scientist / Engineer - Acoustic Research and Technology

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist/Engineer to lead research and development of innovative solutions in the field of acoustics, with opportunities to explore applications across various domains such as underwater acoustics, auditory technologies, and acoustic sensing.

As a Principal Scientist/Engineer you will work as a team lead and provide technical contributions as well as project and team management. You will shape research strategies, lead multidisciplinary teams, and play a key role in securing research funding to fuel the continued growth of our acoustic research initiatives. This is a pivotal position that bridges cutting-edge research with real-world applications, while also building and nurturing relationships with external partners and stakeholders to advance our business development goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize a combination of technical skills, business development, and project management to secure funding for and lead novel research programs related to acoustic science and/or hearing research.
• Supervise, lead, and mentor technical staff members to ensure that project deadlines and goals are being met, and work is of high quality.
• Leverage existing lab and testing facilities (detailed here) and develop new capabilities as the need arises.
• Identify and form relationships with existing and new government clients, industry/academic partners, and funding organizations.
• Develop technical and budgetary proposals for extramural funding.

Position Requirements:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering or physics
• A minimum of 5 years of experience leading technical teams with a mixture of capabilities and skill levels.
• Recognized expertise in one or more of the following areas: physical acoustics, engineering acoustics, electroacoustic systems, underwater acoustics, sensors and signal processing.
• Mastery of implementing and troubleshooting instrumentation (microphones/hydrophones, data acquisition systems, oscilloscopes, etc.) in a laboratory and/or field setting.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office and one or more of the following tools: Matlab, LabView, Mathematica, SolidWorks, C/C , or other specialized engineering or software tools.
• Proven experience in securing extramural funding, including developing and submitting proposals, building sponsor relationships, and fostering research collaborations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by presentations at conferences, publications or reports, interactions with government or commercial sponsors.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• U.S. citizenship, with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Willing to work full-time, on-site in Littleton, CO.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Experience with projects that have successfully transitioned from R&D to mature products or programs.
• Background including a combination of experimental and theoretical work in an acoustics-related field.
• Understanding of multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., biomechanics, mechanical design, material science, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, rapid prototyping) with a demonstrated track record of successful interdisciplinary collaborations.

Location:
This position is based on-site in Littleton, CO, with occasional travel required for project and business development activities.

Company Information:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) 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 2300 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.