Systems Engineer
San Diego, CA

Job Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer with experience in autonomy and automation for robotics systems. The candidate will provide systems engineering and integration support to the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific in San Diego, CA in the evaluation and development of robotics and autonomous control technologies for unmanned underwater systems. The individual will be involved in all phases of an applied research robotics program. Work includes leading-edge technology assessment, concept development, analysis of alternatives studies, monitoring of system development by other contractors, test support, and military utility assessment. The candidate must be able to critically review projects and technologies and participate in the development, review and analysis of the associated research and test plans. He or she will frequently interface with internal/external customers and make significant contributions to department goals and planning efforts.

The candidate will maintain a strong professional network and remain current with technology trends to support technology consulting for the government. This may include attending professional conferences, interagency meetings and other technology DoD and Industry outreach events as directed by the government program manager. Some travel may be required to perform technical reviews and test events. The candidate must be willing and able to independently learn new technologies and processes and contribute to concept development. A flexible schedule will be critical to support fast moving tasks and projects.

This job requires an active security clearance.

Required Skills:

* Master's Degree in engineering, physics, or related physical sciences with minimum of 10 years applied experience in new technology development or operational use of military technology
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical audience
* Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to include technical writing and technical presentations.

Required Experience:

* Systems engineering experience as demonstrated by key involvement in the development of prototype products with elements including computer control, electronic controls, actuators, motors, packaging, and sensors
* Robotic systems experience including perception, planning and autonomous control algorithms; sensors and sensor integration; radio communications; and maritime robotic platforms
* Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-functional team
* Demonstrated ability to brief both a non-technical and technical audience
* Active DoD Secret clearance

Desired Qualifications:

* Applied experience in R&D prototype development including requirements analyses, system development, integration, and testing
* Demonstrated ability to manage prototype development projects
* MK 18 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Family of Systems (FoS) experience.
* Comprehensive knowledge of government acquisition and systems engineering process frameworks and experience contributing to the development of key systems engineering life cycle (SELC) artifacts.
* Developing acquisition strategies and supporting program managers in program execution in accordance with DoD 5000.02 policies.

COMPANY INFORMATION:

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. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1,300 professionals. 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. The culture is one where 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" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

To apply, go to www.careers.ara.com and search for job reference code SYSTE02681.