Job Description

ARA’s Engineering Science Division is seeking a staff project manager to join our Aircraft Operating Surfaces (AOS) team at Tyndall Air Force Base, FL. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and assist in a variety of highly technical research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) projects covering such topics as structures, pavements, maintenance, materials, and/or geotechnical engineering.

As a staff project manager you will be responsible for the performance of the project, including overseeing project budget, schedule, quality, and scope. The staff project manager ensures deliverables meet contract requirements and company policies, procedures, and guidelines.

You will work with a team of highly qualified engineers, technicians, and support staff in a dynamic environment throughout the entire project life cycle. Some of the projects include applied bench-level research, advanced technology development, prototype/pilot scale systems design, construction, and evaluation in field demonstrations and operationally relevant environments, testing and evaluation of materials, technologies, and processes in air force operations, and improving operations and maintenance capabilities through insertion of alternative pavements, materials, technologies, processes and procedures.

As a staff project manager, you will:

• Use various analytical, scientific, and engineering methods to execute research, development, testing, and evaluation.
• Supervise project staff.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage budgets, track expenses, and ensure cost efficiency.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Provide updates to senior management and clients.
• Prepare formal reports and presentations.

Staff project manager requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or applied science in a relevant technical field (e.g., engineering technology, construction management, organizational management, materials science, or similar).
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience supporting technical projects, preferably in infrastructure, pavements, or related civil engineering applications.
• Experience in preparing formal reports and presentations.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Must possess an active DoD Security Clearance or be able to obtain one.
• Technical writing skills.

Preferred experience and skills:

• Degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
• Experience with DoD, FAA, or civil infrastructure programs.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience.

About 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 Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 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.