Physicist​/Material Scientist; Mid-Level

Join our rapidly growing team dedicated to solving complex problems in a dynamic environment at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division.

We are currently seeking mid-level experienced Staff Physicists / Material Scientists for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts and support of research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders.

Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be U.S. citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC-IH) and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

This position is contingent upon the issue of technical instructions.

As a Staff Physicist / Materials Scientist at NSWC-IH, your position will include the following key responsibilities.

• Develop solutions to complex technical problems with limited supervision
• Conduct research and analysis on various substances (organic or inorganic) to determine physical properties, composition, structure, etc., of materials and investigate potential applications for energetics and explosives development and production.
• Devise procedures for physical testing of materials and assist in development of test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.
• Acquire in-depth understanding of requirements for product design and development in support of new manufacturing processes.
• Apply analytical techniques to support development, troubleshooting, and optimization of energetics development and production.
• Support the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
• Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Participate in regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related scientific field with 2 - 4 years of related work experience, or a Master's with 0 - 2 years of experience.
• Proficiency in a range of analytical and technical skills that support the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary teams across multiple project phases.
• Ability to work effectively in high‑pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam.
• Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

• Advanced Degree in physics, material science or related technical field is preferred.
• Extensive experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials for defense applications.
• Deep understanding of physical and materiel properties of explosives and energetic materials.
• Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly desired.

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 to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices.

Anticipated Salary Range: $87,000 - $115,000

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 notice from the Department of Labor.