**Description** The Engineering Science Division (ESD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Principal Program Manager 2 to manage the conduction of RDT&E projects focused on providing solutions to identify airbase technology capability gaps in the areas of explosive ordnance disposal and unmanned systems technologies. This position is located at Tyndall Air Force Base, FL and is contingent upon award of contract. Secret Security Clearance required. As a Principal Program Manager 2, you will be responsible for a team performing laboratory & field research, material, technology, and process development, sample analysis, material characterization, prototyping, designing & fabrication of test articles, test & evaluation, modeling & simulation, preparing test plans for physical & virtual experiments, risk analysis, operations & maintenance enhancements, field trials, design & construction of upgraded/new test venues, rapid war fighter initiatives and emerging technology assessments. Research areas include: + Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) + Unmanned Systems + Autonomous Systems + Robotic Appliques + Sensor/Payload Integration + Multi-Vehicle Interactions + Heavy Equipment Operations + Logistics & Material Handling + Firefighting + Rapid Damage Assessment + Operations in Hazardous Environments (including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear & explosive or (CBRNE) + Radio Frequency Communications + Artificial Intelligence Software + Force Protection + Security & CE Operations **Required Experience & Skills:** + Background in unmanned systems, autonomous systems, sensor/payload integration, & Air Force Civil Engineering + Previous experience preparing and reviewing research proposals, research plans, and test plans + Execute multiple RDT&E activities + Writing technical papers + Experience leading a professional team **Required Qualifications:** + Graduate of an accredited university with a PhD degree or equivalent in the field of science or engineering relevant to explosive ordnance disposal or airbase technologies and unmanned systems technologies and at least 15 years of RDT&E experience since graduation. + Secret DOD Security Clearance **Why work at ARA:** **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 Alburquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,300 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the US and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. We also provide sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization and robotics. 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 its 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" sums up the ARA experience. ARA's culture supports career growth and rewards innovation, self-motivation, and technical excellence. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we offer competitive salaries and outstanding benefits including stock ownership. 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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.