**Description** Are you a Mechanical Engineer with a background in prototype design and development as well as testing and data collection and have a spark for innovation and a passion for cutting-edge technology? Look no further – we want YOU to be the next star in our dynamic Engineering Science Division! At ARA, we're not just about jobs; we're about shaping the future! Our Engineering Science Division is at the forefront of groundbreaking projects that redefine what's possible. We believe in pushing boundaries, fostering creativity, and empowering our team to engineer solutions that leave a lasting impact. **As a Staff Mechanical Engineer 2, you will:** + Support a variety of research and development efforts involving (but not limited to) the fields of sensors, electronic system development, respiratory protection, aerosol science, material science, energy, and more. + Demonstrated track record of successfully bringing projects from concept to prototype, while showcasing a comprehensive understanding of prototype design and development as well as testing and data collection. + Showcase a deep understanding of rapid R&D and prototyping for diverse problems. + Independently develop solutions and define project plans to meet objectives that satisfy customer requirements. + Assist and work directly with engineers in other disciplines on project planning, task management, and provide technical guidance on project development and complex projects. + Solve complex problems independently. + Demonstrate your experience in developing entire prototype systems from the ground up (design, build, test, produce), and quickly learning additional skills as required for a given project. **Education:** + A bachelor's degree in engineering or a relevant field and 5-7 years’ experience or a master’s degree in engineering or a relevant field and 3-5 years’ experience **Required Experience and Expertise include** : + Extensive knowledge of theoretical, practical, and best practices for device design and development, including mechanical, electrical, hardware, software, sensors, and controls. + Expert in 3D modeling and with other engineer supporting tools and software (CAD, programming, etc.) + Knowledge in design, modification, testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and operations. + Experience with data collection using custom or third-party systems. + Experience developing and conducting tests and evaluations. + Experience preparing research reports, technical proposals, formal presentations, and reading/interpretating data. + Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, SharePoint). + Ability to work independently or in a diverse team setting. **Preferred Experience:** + Arduino coding (or similar) and developmental electrical system design + Wireless communication between devices in limited environments + Developing and/or using Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) applications. + Developing and producing electronics boards for prototyping applications + Developing firmware for prototyping applications Travel Requirements: Must be able to travel up to 20% of work schedule. Must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance. **Applied Research Associates, Inc. Company Information:** Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website (https://www.ara.com/) to learn more about who we are (https://www.ara.com/who-we-are/) , what we do (https://www.ara.com/what-we-do/) , the excellent careers (https://www.ara.com/careers/) and benefits (https://www.ara.com/benefits/) we offer and explore some of our featured offices (https://www.ara.com/featured-offices/) . Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)