Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics, and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
The High-Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) team at SARA is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Research Engineer to support rapid Research & Development (R&D) and power systems research activities out of our facility in Colorado Springs, CO. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to grow, lead, and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-term programs and new programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors.
Core Responsibilities:
- Perform engineering calculations and apply physics first principles
- Solve engineering problems using modeling and simulation, interpreting real-world test data
- Execute engineering studies under peer oversight
- Assist development of specifications and requirements
- Design and execute specialized tests with peer oversight
- Write concise test plans, technical reports, maintain comprehensive project documentation, and deliver technical briefings
- Multitask and effectively collaborate with small or large engineering teams
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or additional experience in lieu of Master’s degree)
- 0 - 2 years of directly applicable power systems Electrical Engineering experience
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent decision-making and leadership capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain TS DoD security clearance
- May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
- 2 – 4 years of directly applicable experience or relevant research projects in Power Systems
- Or complimentary experience in areas such as Pulsed Power, EMP, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal Processing, High Voltage Physics (1s to 100s of kilovolts), or Digital and Analog Controls
- F.E. exam completion or E.I.T. certification
- Experience using data acquisition equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, voltage probes, current probes, specialized test sets, and spectrum analyzers
- Experience testing and setting digital protective relays, commissioning switchgear, or substation design
- Experience with relevant modeling software such as one or more of the following:
- Power system short-circuit, load-flow, EMT, dynamics (Aspen, SKM, RTDS, EMTP)
- Mathematical scripting, modeling, analysis, or automation (MATLAB, Python)
- Circuit modeling and board layout (Dip Trace, Altium, SPICE)
- Experience in analytical modeling and the scientific process
- Experience in test design or requirements development
- Experience working cooperatively in team environments
- Strong writing and presentation skills
- Ability to learn new skills and take new responsibilities
- Conflict resolution experience
- Active DoD TS or DoE Q security clearance
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $135,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: December 2, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or additional experience in lieu of the degree
- 0–2 years of directly applicable power systems electrical engineering experience
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Decision-making and leadership capabilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Organizational skills, attention to detail, and multitasking ability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Department of Defense security clearance
- Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field
- 2–4 years of applicable power systems experience or relevant research projects
- Experience in pulsed power, EMP, electromagnetic compatibility, signal processing, high-voltage physics, or digital and analog controls
- F.E. exam completion or E.I.T. certification
- Experience using electrical data acquisition and test equipment
- Experience testing digital protective relays, commissioning switchgear, or performing substation design
- Experience with power-system, mathematical, circuit, or board-layout modeling software
- Experience in analytical modeling, scientific processes, test design, or requirements development
- Active DoD Top Secret or Department of Energy Q security clearance
What We Do
Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc. develops specialized technologies and engineering solutions for defense and homeland-security customers. Its work spans radio-frequency and electromagnetic protection, pulsed power, acoustics, and threat warning, along with testing, modeling, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing. The company also provides measurement and analysis systems, RF shielding, and sensing-and-warning technologies, tailoring products and services to customer applications and operational needs.
