Senior Geotechnical Engineer 1

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Test Technology Division is seeking a technically versatile and highly motivated professional with a strong background in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geophysics, Geologic Engineering, or Mining Engineering. We are looking for an experienced researcher to lead and manage projects supporting weapon effects testing and other geotechnical and geophysical initiatives critical to U.S. government missions.

If you're passionate about science, engineering, and applying your expertise to technologies that strengthen our nation's security, we'd like to hear from you. In this role, you'll lead multidisciplinary projects and small technical teams, conduct field investigations, collaborate with government clients, and help grow enduring research and development programs.

The ideal candidate has expertise in rock mechanics, earth material behavior, stress and strain analysis, field operations, and project management, along with a proven ability to lead teams and build strong client relationships. If you're excited by solving complex technical challenges with real-world impact, we encourage you to apply.

ARA’ Benefits Package Includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Various insurance options including Health Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid leave and holidays.

What You’ll Do as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer

• Operate in a highly versatile technical and field environment, serving as a leader who not only drives technical direction but actively mentor engineers, scientists, and field staff. You will cultivate technical growth in others while ensuring high-quality execution across all engineering activities.
• Provide leadership in test planning, execution, and post‑test analysis. You will guide and coach teams performing geophysical surveys, exploratory drilling, geotechnical mapping, rock mass characterization, test data acquisition, and sensor deployment. A key part of your role is developing junior staff, improving team capability, and modeling best practices in safety and field operations.
• Apply deep expertise in mathematics, mechanics of materials, physics, and rock/soil mechanics to shape project approaches and uplift the technical skills of less experienced team members. You will lead complex analyses while mentoring others how to interpret data, build analytical workflows, and develop novel algorithms for efficient, rigorous data processing.
• Lead the authoring, review, and delivery of technical reports, publications, and briefings. You will coach colleagues in technical writing, help refine their ability to communicate complex concepts, and elevate the overall quality of project documentation.
• Manage client interactions as a senior technical leader, demonstrating strong communication, professionalism, and the ability to guide junior team members in client‑facing roles.
• Support and lead field testing campaigns in semi‑arid environments around heavy equipment and explosives. You will mentor newer team members in field readiness, equipment use, troubleshooting methods, and overall engineering judgment.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering (Civil), Geologic Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geophysics, Mining Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Broad technical expertise with advanced knowledge in:
  • Data processing and analysis
  • Engineering mathematics
  • Mechanics of materials
  • Statics and dynamics
  • Computer programming
  • Rock and soil mechanics
  • Earth material behavior
  • Laboratory testing methods
• Exceptional technical writing, communication, and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior staff.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as a technical leader within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, self-motivated approach and a commitment to mentoring and developing others.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including planning, execution, coordination, and oversight of technical projects. Experience mentoring junior engineers and scientists is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance, with the ability to qualify for coverage under ARA's corporate auto insurance policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in one of the required or related fields.
• 5–10 years of relevant professional experience, ideally including substantial field engineering and team mentorship.
• Strong mechanical/electrical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and teach others how to diagnose and solve problems in the field.
• Coding experience (Python, MATLAB, etc.), with the ability to develop processing scripts and guide others in building similar capabilities.
• Demonstrated excellence as a technical writer and reviewer, with experience coaching colleagues through writing and documentation.
• Significant project management experience, including leading teams, mentoring junior project managers, tracking costs, and developing cost projections.
• Experience contributing to proposals and cost estimation, including teaching others how to structure technical contributions and estimate work effectively.