Does Applied Research Associates pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Applied Research Associates employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.3 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Applied Research Associates. This rating has decreased by 1% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Applied Research Associates?

45% of Applied Research Associates employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Applied Research Associates 3.0 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.8 for culture and values and 3.0 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Applied Research Associates?

Software Engineer (20) , Staff Engineer (12) , Engineer (9) , Staff Software Engineer (7) , Junior Software Engineer (6) , Intern (4) , Scientist (4) , Technical Writer (4) , Civil Engineering Technician (3) , Engineering Technician (3) , Senior Program Manager (3) , Senior Software Developer (3) , Senior Software Engineer (3) , Software Developer (3) , Systems Administrator (3)

What are the pros of working at Applied Research Associates according to real employee reviews?

"good benefits but could be better" ((in 44 reviews)); "The people are great and the company really focuses on hiring those that mesh well with the company culture." ((in 21 reviews)); "The management is good" ((in 11 reviews)); "good work life balance" ((in 9 reviews)); "Culture is great" ((in 8 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Applied Research Associates according to real employee reviews?

"Low pay" ((in 13 reviews)); "Abysmal, from top of company to managers to inter" ((in 5 reviews)); "Can't developing a career; unstable salary" ((in 5 reviews)); "Not much upward mobility to grow" ((in 3 reviews)); "Base salary is fairly average, but they give bonuses and ESOP contributions." ((in 3 reviews))

What are employees saying about Applied Research Associates layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Applied Research Associates layoffs and their outlook for job security at Applied Research Associates in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Applied Research Associates locations?

Raleigh , Niceville , Albuquerque , Alexandria , Arlington , Champaign , Vicksburg , Littleton , Washington , Orlando , Baton Rouge , Panama City , Fort Belvoir , Austin , Dayton , Camp Hill , Summit Point , Cypress , Harrisburg , Elkridge , Fort Walton Beach , Greenville , Egg Harbor Township , Jersey City , Virginia Beach , Reston , Charlotte , Durham , Rapid City , Randolph

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Applied Research Associates

Applied Research Associates reviews

3.2

45% would recommend to a friend

(252 total reviews)

Rob Sues

52% approve of CEO

53% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.3

Compensation and benefits

3.1

Senior management

3.0

Work/Life balance

3.0

Career opportunities

2.8

Culture & values

2.7

Diversity & inclusion

Applied Research Associates has an employee rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars, based on 252 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Applied Research Associates employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Aerospace & Defense industry (3.6 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

252 reviews

4.0

Feb 26, 2020

good benefit package

Staff civil engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

good compensations, different kinds of projects

Cons

no career path, dont support personal improvement

4.0

Jan 7, 2020

ARA is great place to work

Principal scientist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Freedom to work on interesting projects Flat organizational structure Transparent company information and performance Many opportunities to take ownership of work

Cons

Often must work extra hours to complete projects

3.0

Jan 7, 2020

"Mixed Feelings"

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits and work life balance

Cons

Little to no pathway for career advancement

Viewing 196 - 198 of 252 Reviews

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Jobs at Applied Research Associates

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant

Staff Desktop Support Administrator

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant

Applied Research Associates reviews FAQs

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Applied Research Associates

Applied Research Associates reviews

Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

good benefit package

ARA is great place to work

"Mixed Feelings"

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