Senior Computational Scientist – Electro-Optical/Infrared - Applied Research Associates, Inc

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a driven and talented Senior Computational Scientist – Electro-Optical / Infrared, to conduct research and provide project support in the modeling of and simulation of advanced and complex systems spanning the fields of electro-optics, infrared systems and computational heat transfer. This position will be located at Applied Research Associate's office in Columbus, OH. A demonstrated background with 4-5 years' experience in modeling and simulation of Electro-Optical, Visible, and Infrared systems.

The successful candidate will be able to develop simulation algorithms, simulate complex problems using industry standard tools, perform R&D in advanced physics and provide improvements to current EO/IR simulation practices. The candidate will also participate V&V activities for software solutions developed by ARA and provide support in software development and improvement. The candidate may also lead R&D business development activities, including authoring proposals, RFI responses and opportunity initiation.

An extensive programming proficiency in C/C++, Python, or FORTRAN is required. Working experience and/or educational background in the fields of machine learning, artificial intelligence and/or neural networks is strongly preferred.  The candidate must also have extensive experience working on and/or developing multi-functional code bases that model complex physical phenomenon. Deep familiarity with source code version control tools such as Git, continuous software integration such as GitLab and the Linux (or other nix-based) operating systems is preferred.

What you’ll do as a Senior Electro Optical Engineer

• Lead and participate in Computational Physics projects, R&D efforts, software validation and verification.
• Research, develop, and implement thermal infrared, electro optical, and signal processing methods
• Work with a unique group of highly skilled and experienced mathematicians, physicists, RF/antennas engineers, and computer scientists to solve complex, large-scale computational problems.

Senior Electro Optical Engineer Requirements:

• US citizen with an active SECRET or higher DoD Security Clearance or ability to obtain one 
• Ph.D. in Physics, EE, Math or related field 
• 4-6 years of experience in the Visible and Infrared (IR) field that includes the 0.4-14 microns regime, including analysis of field data and/or simulation data.
• Extensive experience with programing languages including C++, Python, and FORTRAN
• Team player with excellent presentation and written/oral communication skills
• Ability to understand and solve complex problems

 Senior Electro Optical Engineer Preferences:

• Experience with machine learning and/or artificial intelligence-based algorithms, preferably with applications in the fields of electro-optics and/or infrared.
• Experience in modeling and simulation of IR systems
• Experience in Space Systems including Orbital Dynamics
• Active DoD SECRET or higher security clearance

 Company & Division Information:

ARA has great benefits and employees working a minimum of 30 hours/week are eligible for FT benefits, such as: 

• 401-K Retirement with employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Various insurance options including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Plan, and a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid leave and holidays.
• Great place to continue learning and expand your skill set.
• Great work-life balance.

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 1,800 employee-owners 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. 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 challenging; 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. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, applicants need to apply at careers.ara.com for the Senior Computational Scientist – Electro-Optical/Infrared position, Job Code: SENIO008475.

Experience

Required

• 4 - 6 years: Experience in the Visible and Infrared (IR) field that includes the 0.4-14 microns regime, including analysis of field data and/or simulation data.
• 3 - 5 years: Experience with thermal infrared simulation and methods
• 3 - 5 years: Experience with electro optical simulation and methods
• 3 - 5 years: Experience with signal processing

Education

Required

• Doctor of Philosophy or better in Electrical Engineering or related field

Behaviors

Required

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Preferred

• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

Motivations

Required

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

Preferred

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work

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)

See job description