ARA is seeking a civil engineer to support our Aircraft Operating Surfaces (AOS) Group. This is a full-time position in our office in Panama City, FL.

We are looking for an engineer who is dynamic and enjoys the challenge of solving complex problems. Engineers in the AOS Group are actively involved in all aspects of airfield pavement engineering research, which includes problem solving, using subject matter knowledge and innovation to offer high-quality solutions to our customers, marketing to bring in new business, and writing high-quality proposals.

This position may require occasional collaboration with AOS Group members at Tyndall AFB. Candidates must have a current valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and current proof of auto insurance to gain access to the base facilities.

What you will do as a staff civil engineer

Under the direction of the AOS Group Leader, the staff civil engineer is expected to:

Perform Project Work

Have a background in and work to grow your knowledge in one or more areas related to pavements, materials, and/or geotechnical engineering. Serve in a variety of project roles with varying degrees of leadership and responsibility. Responsibility will increase over time, from project engineer to task leader to subject matter expert to project manager/principal investigator. Exhibit a willingness and ability to engage in a wide variety of project activities, including completing comprehensive literature reviews, organizing and analyzing data, generating reports, managing tasks or projects, creating dynamic solutions to address challenges—whatever is needed to keep our customer satisfied and our teams productive. Possess an eye for detail and an ability to formulate independent research questions, models, and solutions, to deliver top quality work and persevere on long tasks. Work independently and take ownership of all aspects of assigned tasks and projects with the goal to complete projects on time and on budget. Occasional travel and outdoor work (field testing) may be required.

Participate in Business Development

Write proposals in response to RFPs for existing and new lines of business. Engage in marketing and networking activities at conferences and other industry gatherings. Present project information at training courses, industry meetings, department meetings, customer meetings, etc.

Demonstrate Professionalism

Engage in company activities that support continuous improvement, such as attending webinars and meetings outside of one’s subject area, meetings about the organization’s strategic vision and direction, and other internal activities. Work as an integrated member of a team and collaborate effectively with others. Thrive in an environment where day-to-day work hours are flexible, but some evenings and weekends may be required to ensure that projects are completed on time. Be open to critical feedback from others, with a willingness to respond non-defensively, and to use the feedback to improve oneself and/or project deliverables.

ARA’s culture supports career growth and rewards innovation, self-motivation, and technical excellence. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we offer competitive salaries and outstanding benefits including stock ownership.

Staff civil engineer requirements

Master’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering (Ph. D preferred), with a focus on pavement engineering. Demonstrated understanding of pavement engineering, pavement materials, and/or geotechnical engineering as they relate to transportation infrastructure and related fields. Demonstrated knowledge of statistics and data analysis. Demonstrated experience in statistical software packages a plus. Strong communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills. Publication in peer-reviewed journals and relevant conference presentations a plus. DoD security clearance, or ability to obtain, within 60 days of hire.

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 more than 2,000 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, 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 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.