Applied Research Team Leader / Principal Engineer / ...

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer or Principal Scientist with a proven ability to lead applied research programs and successfully secure funding to support and grow those efforts. Strong candidates will possess the vision, creativity, and drive to grow and lead a group in the candidate's area of subject matter expertise. Candidates may also contribute to our existing applied research programs which involve work related to acoustics, optical and laser systems, soldier medical technologies, maritime technologies and testing, and defense related rapid prototyping. Candidates for this position should have experience in one or more of the following areas:Performing engineering or applied physics research at a deep technical levelPerforming R&D of novel prototype systems for defense-related applicationsExperience transitioning from prototype technologies into fieldable systemsDesign and development of systems with wireless connectivity and real-time embedded processingSignal processing related to acoustic or optical real-time detection and classificationImplementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence on edge hardware systemsThis position is based at ARA's Littleton, Colorado office, where our facilities include extensive laboratory, rapid prototyping, and testing capabilities that support the technology areas listed above. Occasional travel will be required. This position includes a very competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package (including 401k, employee stock ownership, health benefits, personal and holiday leave), excellent work environment, and the opportunity for career advancement.Position Requirements Ph.D. or equivalent in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or a closely related fieldTrack record of attracting extramural funding including project conceptualization, sponsor interactions, proposal developmentSubject matter expertise as demonstrated through authorship of publications, reports, and/or patentsExperience leading small teams of researchers, engineers, and techniciansApplicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified informationJob Location This position is Monday through Friday, on-site at ARA facilities in Littleton, ColoradoPosition Type Full-Time/Regular 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, employs over 2200 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. 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, opportunities and autonomy to take active roles as employee owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are expected to advance new capabilities to support company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The core values "Passion, Freedom, Service and Growth" and the motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sum up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at . Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-04-02