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

5.0

Oct 19, 2014

Staff Engineer, Applied Research Associates

Staff engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of opportunity for advancement, excellent benefits and employee stock ownership plan.

Cons

Collaboration between divisions on projects challenging.

5.0

Aug 7, 2014

employee oriented

Emergency management specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The pay! But also the management worked hard to keep employee's informed and up to date on virtually anything that may have an impact on our company success. Also the management didn't micromanage it's people we where allowed to perform our duties and everyone knew that the yearly bonus was based on your performance.

Cons

I worked as a contractor and the bidding every couple of years is very stressful not knowing if your going to win the contract and have a job.

5.0

Jun 16, 2014

Group Leader / Engineering Manager

Principal scientist/engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great freedom to do the kind of work you love. No limits to what you can achieve as long as you can find a client to fund it.

Cons

Definitely not a company for slackers. Significant amount of pressure to keep marketing to have projects funded.

Viewing 232 - 234 of 252 Reviews

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Jobs at Applied Research Associates

Senior Contracts Administrator- Remote

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant

Staff Manufacturing Technician 2