Systems Engineer

If you want to accelerate your career growth and apply your expertise to problems of national importance, we have the job for you! You’ll achieve your personal and professional goals in a stable environment that rewards an entrepreneurial spirit. You’ll solve challenging problems and grow your career in an exciting setting that promotes teamwork and cross-training across related disciplines. We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer to join our Digital Engineering team designing and analyzing new warfighter capabilities. The ideal candidate is a generalist who enjoys analyzing warfighter needs, modeling architectures in MBSE tools, and has a desire to be hands-on in building software tools that solve real-world problems.

The successful candidate for this position will have a strong passion for Mission Engineering and the national security domain, strong systems modeling skills, an interest in software engineering, and the ability to conceptualize and deliver solutions to customer problems. Ideal candidates understand the benefits of a Digital Thread, are conversant on the strengths and weaknesses of existing MBSE tools, and are passionate about improving systems engineering process to solve real warfighter problems. You will be a key member of a team that is developing Digital Engineering simulation tools and technologies for the Department of Defense.


Systems Engineer Position Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
• BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, computer science, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field
• 5+ years relevant work experience with BS
• 3+ years relevant work experience with MS
• Familiarity with Systems Modeling Language (SysML) version 2 and Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Experience with commercial MBSE software, especially developing plugins to extend functionality
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

Systems Engineer Preferences:

Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

• Demonstrated experience with at least one modern software development ecosystem (e.g., Python, C++, or Java), and comfortable implementing quick-turnaround, proof of concept solutions in that ecosystem
• Familiarity with DoD mission analysis or campaign analysis software or specific domain expertise (e.g., lethality, guidance, propulsion, EW, etc.)
• Existing DoD security clearance

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 2,200 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 in 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 Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at:

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