Senior Technical Project Manager

Description Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a driven and talented Senior Technical Project manager to manage a portfolio of highly technical and complex R&D software and product development projects across the computational Multiphysics domains of Computational Electromagnetics, Fluid Dynamics, and Infrared modeling. The ideal candidate will have deep domain knowledge in a related technical area, have led successful software development projects with a high degree of uncertainty in complex technical fields – from conception to completion and will be well versed in Agile and Waterfall based project management. The candidate must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills and extensive experience working with highly motivated, multifunctional, and geographically distributed teams. This position will be based out of ARA’s offices in Columbus OH. What you’ll do as a Senior Technical Project Manager: Manage end-to-end multiple technical projects in algorithm and software development in the fields of Computational Simulation, Modeling, AI/ML and Optimization. Manage cross functional, internal and subcontractor, teams for multiple, complex technical projects from initiation to closure. Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, and resource allocation. Coordinate the cross-functional teams, including scientists, applied mathematicians, software developers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Participate and contribute in technical meetings to ensure that the technology development is effective and efficient to meet the needs of the customer. Act as an internal customer proxy to provide clear feedback to the technical teams. 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 division project managers to ensure collaboration and share management processes. Mentor and guide junior team members. Senior Technical Project Manager Requirements US citizen with an active DoD Security Clearance or ability to obtain one MS in Physics, EE, Math or related field PMP or Agile/Scrum certification or equivalent Proven track record of managing complex technical “scientific software-heavy” projects in a fast-paced R&D environment Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies. Excellent leadership, organizational, and time-management skills. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 5-10 years of experience in the project management of scientific software projects Senior Technical Project Manager Preferences: Ph.D. in Physics, EE, Math, or related field Experience with machine learning and/or artificial intelligence-based software projects. Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project, Gitlab, Trello). Active DoD SECRET or higher security clearance Company & Division 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 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. Employees working 30+ hours/week earn FT benefits such as: 401(k) Retirement with employer matching contribution; Employee Stock Ownership Plan; various insurance options including Flexible Spending Plan and a Health Savings Account (HSA); Paid leave and holidays; and it’s a great place to continue learning and expand your skill set; and provides great work-life balance. 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 Technical Project Manager position, Job Code: SENIO008556. Qualifications Behaviors Preferred Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them Team Player: Works well as a member of a group Motivations 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 Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work Education Required Master of Science or better in Engineering Preferred Doctor of Philosophy or better in Engineering Licenses & Certifications Preferred Project Management Experience Required 3-5 years: Project management for technical software development 3 years: Scrum/Agile project management Preferred 3 years: Technical work in Computational Sciences 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)