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 42 reviews)); "Great people" ((in 20 reviews)); "The management is good" ((in 12 reviews)); "Culture is great" ((in 10 reviews)); "good work life balance" ((in 9 reviews))

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

"Low pay" ((in 14 reviews)); "Salary was lower than industry average" ((in 7 reviews)); "Abysmal, from top of company to managers to inter" ((in 5 reviews)); "Not much upward mobility to grow" ((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

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 demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

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).

Reviews by job title

252 reviews

2.0

Aug 2, 2017

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Very low key and quiet work environment

Cons

Not a forward thinking company and very unorganized at management level; project/group leaders over employ when projects are awarded and not enough momentum or success on existing projects to keep not only support staff but direct staff employed or even engaged when projects are funded. Management not involved in leading junior staff. Very much a revolving door when it comes to keeping employees.

2.0

Jul 25, 2017

Poor Program/Contract Managers

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great health insurance and benefits

Cons

Inability to advance financially, Program Managers are inept and unsupportive so you have to take matters in your own hands to get answers to any questions

4.0

Apr 15, 2017

Pretty good overall with some organizational problems

Staff engineer i

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good people Excellent benefits A lot of freedom; not micromanaging Stock ownership in company

Cons

Contracts can dry up; Corporate will not work to keep failing contracts afloat Pay is lower than market average Not a lot of upward mobility Lot of interoffice politics/inefficiencies

Viewing 19 - 21 of 252 Reviews

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Jobs at Applied Research Associates

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant

Senior Contracts Administrator- Remote

Arlington, VA

View job

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant