Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology 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 SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative HPE Technical Fellow to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.
Core Responsibilities:
- Provide senior technical leadership and strategic direction across advanced software, computer engineering, and high-power electromagnetic-based systems for defense and aerospace applications
- Define and influence system architectures that integrate software, algorithms, sensors, compute platforms, and high-power system hardware
- Lead and contribute to research efforts that advance new capabilities in areas such as high-power electromagnetics, sensing, autonomy, and mission systems
- Mentor and develop engineering staff, elevating technical rigor, systems thinking, and research-driven problem solving across teams
- Shape internal research and development investments to mature technologies aligned with future customer needs and emerging mission areas
- Support new business creation by engaging with customers, identifying technology gaps, and contributing to capture strategies, white papers, and proposals
- Serve as a trusted technical authority and interface with internal leadership, customers, and external partners
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related field
- 15+ years of experience in advanced software, computer engineering, or high-power electromagnetic-based system development for complex technical programs
- Broad technical background spanning software engineering, algorithms, and applied physics, with the ability to reason across disciplines
- Demonstrated experience providing senior technical leadership, architectural guidance, or subject-matter expertise on research or development programs
- Strong systems engineering foundation, including requirements definition, trade studies, and end-to-end solution integration
- Demonstrated expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts, including model development, training, evaluation, and deployment
- in modern programming languages commonly used in AI/ML systems (e.g., C++, Python, or similar) and engineering best practices
- Experience developing or supporting research efforts involving modeling, simulation, data analysis, or experimental validation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation, research reporting, and customer briefings
- Ability to work in laboratory and test environments as required
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require moderate 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 degree or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline
- 20+ years of relevant experience in defense, aerospace, or advanced research environments
- Experience with physics-driven domains such as electromagnetics, RF systems, sensing, or high-energy environments
- Familiarity with advanced computing concepts such as edge processing, real-time systems, modeling and simulation, or hardware-software co-design
- Experience applying data-driven methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning within larger software- and high-power electromagnetic-based systems
- Exposure to edge AI concepts, including deploying algorithms on resource-constrained or real-time platforms
- Proven involvement in business development activities, including shaping technical concepts, supporting proposals, and engaging with government or defense customers
- Active DoD Secret clearance, TS preferred
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 $165,000 to $190,000 (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: January 6, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
