Staff Mechanical Technician 1

***Because of our work with the defense community, applicants must be U.S. citizens.***

Are you looking for a career in an industry focused on designing, developing, and rapidly deploying solutions to problems of national importance? Applied Research Associates (ARA) is seeking a highly capable Mechanical Technician to join a multidisciplinary team advancing mission critical technologies for U.S. Government and defense customers.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machinery, including 3rd and 4th axis mills and lathes.
• Assist in the programming of complicated parts on CAM software.
• Assist in the drafting and development of technical drawings.
• Assist, when needed, in Design-For-Manufacture aspects of other engineering work.
• Maintain clean, functional, and organized machine shop space including organization and storage.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, adjust, test, and maintain equipment, components, machines, and shop equipment.
• Order and maintain stock of machine shop equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Maintain accurate accounts of time, labor, materials, and equipment for work performed.
• Prepare oral and written reports, as necessary.
• Handle classified information and maintain strict compliance with DoD regulations and security procedures.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Experience with CNC machines, including mills and lathes.
• Experience with CAM software.
• Experience with SolidWorks.
• Experience with drafting, including GD&T.
• General understanding of machining including work holding and tooling selection.
• Strong technical communication skills when dealing with internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in machining, manufacturing, or similar role.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DoD-focused machining (ITAR).
• Technical training, or work in a related field.
• Positive attitude and excellent communication to facilitate smooth collaboration with multiple technical project teams.
• Existing DoD security clearance.

For best consideration, please apply by October 31, 2026.

Expected hourly range for this position will range from $22 - $29 per hour depending on education and experience.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned 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 2,200 professionals and continues to grow.

ARA offices throughout the country provide expertise across a broad range of engineering and science technologies. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. We realize that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives 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,” along with the ARA values (Freedom, Passion, Service, Growth), sums up the ARA experience.

ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees' needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at