Ballistic Armor Expert – Lead Advanced Protective Systems

QinetiQ US; Franklin (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking a Ballistic Armor Engineering Expert to lead the research, design, testing, and development of advanced ballistic protection systems across personnel, vehicle, and structural applications.

You will apply materials science, mechanical engineering, and product validation to meet performance, durability, and certification requirements, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams from concept through production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing ballistic protection systems or advanced protective equipment.
• Secret Clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop ballistic armor systems for personnel, vehicle, or structural protection.
• Evaluate and select advanced materials including ceramics, composites, UHMWPE, aramid fibers, metals, and hybrids.
• Conduct engineering analyses to optimize weight, protection level, ergonomics, durability, and manufacturability.
• Plan, oversee, and analyze ballistic testing programs including prototype evaluation and qualification testing.
• Interpret test data and recommend design improvements based on performance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to transition prototypes into scalable production.
• Develop specifications, drawings, documentation, and test reports.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
• Perform root cause analysis on product failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Support customer discussions, proposal development, and engineering presentations.
• Monitor emerging technologies in protective materials and ballistic science.

Skills

Armor materials knowledge

FEA analysis

CAD proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science / Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FEA

CAD

Job description

QinetiQ US is seeking a Ballistic Armor Engineering Expert to lead the research, design, testing, and development of advanced ballistic protection systems across personnel, vehicle, and structural applications.

You will apply materials science, mechanical engineering, and product validation to meet performance, durability, and certification requirements, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams from concept through production.