Staff Technical Project Manager - Applied Research Associates, Inc

ARA is a leading innovator in health effects modeling and risk assessment, and is dedicated to providing our customers with robust solutions to their most intractable problems. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, technical innovation, and the continuous development of our technical team. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Staff Technical Project Manager to join the Health, Environment, Analytics, Risk, and Technology (HEART) Directorate in the Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessments Division. The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience in project management, excellent communication and organizational skills, experience working with a team of scientists and engineers on multi-million dollar programs, and a foundational understanding of technical processes and tools. The successful candidate will have a relevant science/math/engineering degree, direct experience in the planning & performance of technical work, and a keen understanding of how effective PMs build trust with customers, and inspire excellence in high functioning technical teams. You will work with outstanding multidisciplinary teams on a wide range of health-related projects that involve computational modeling, cutting-edge techniques in AI/ML, extensive knowledge of physiological responses to different types of stressors, drug formulation and optimization, and experience in the design and development of scientific computing software.  

Key responsibilities include:  

• Employee and subcontractor management of multiple, complex technical projects from initiation to closure. 
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including scientists, applied mathematicians, software developers, engineers, and other stakeholders. 
• Ensure all project deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations. 
• Provide regular project updates to senior management and clients. 
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies. 
• Manage project budgets, track expenses, and ensure cost-efficiency. 
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project team members and stakeholders. 
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing process enhancements. 
• Work with other Directorate project managers to ensure collaboration and share management processes. 
• Mentor and guide junior project managers and team members. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline, including life sciences, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or other related field and a minimum of 5+ years of related experience in project management 
• PMP or similar project management certification. 
• Proven track record of managing complex technical projects in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies. 
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and time-management skills. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project, Gitlab, Trello). 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 

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 1,100 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. 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 employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging and 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 apply at careers.ara.com.

Licenses & Certifications

• Project Mgmt Prof
• Project Management

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)