Remote- Systems Engineering -

ARA), Southwest Division (SWD) is looking for an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join our Concept Development Group (CDG), located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. CDG boasts a multidisciplinary team of engineers performing research, development, and analysis and test for developmental weapon programs. As a Senior Systems Engineer you will provide technical support for Department of War programs, ensuring weapons and munitions systems are effectively designed, integrated, tested, and fielded. This role works closely with program managers and prime contractors to evaluate technical solutions, manage risk, and support milestone decisions. The position blends in‑office program execution with travel to support test and integration activities. Job Location: Remote work may be available for the right candidate.

What you’ll do as a Senior Systems Engineer

Provide subject matter expertise in weapons and munitions Systems Engineering to support a team, working day-to-day with Program Managers, Lead Engineers, and functional leads.

Support requirements development, trade studies, system architecture, and interface definition for weapons and munitions across the system life cycle (development, integration, test, fielding, and sustainment).

Review and assess contractor technical data, designs, analyses, and test plans to ensure compliance with system requirements, safety standards, and government intent.

Engage with prime contractors and government stakeholders during technical interchange meetings, design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), and working groups to resolve technical issues and risks.

Support weapons and munitions integration activities, including platform interfaces, stores compatibility, employment concepts, and certification considerations.

Participate in developmental and operational test planning and execution, including travel to test sites, range activities, and post‑test analysis and reporting.

Identify technical risks, assess impacts tocost/schedule/performance,and provide actionable recommendations to the government team to inform program decisions.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).

Working knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, requirements management, risk management, and technical reviews.

Ability to analyze contractor technical products and communicate findings clearly to government stakeholders.

Willingness and ability to travel in support of test and program activities.

Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.

Ability to perform requirements identification, analysis, documentation, and tracking

Ability to analyze customer needs and turn them into system requirements

Ability to work with customers in a test environment

Experience with developmental and operational test planning and execution.

Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, life-cycle management, and risk management practices.

Previous experience working with major defense prime contractors on weapons or munitions programs.

Active Top-Secret clearance or experience working in SCI/SAP environments.

Ability to use statistical analysis methods and tools

Knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. 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. innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees contributions 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.

Motivations Required Self-Starter Inspired to perform without outside help

Entrepreneurial Spirit Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Ability to Make an Impact Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education Required Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities