Experimental Ballistics Technician

UIC Arctic Response Services, LLC; Aberdeen (MD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead is seeking an Experimental Ballistics Technician to support the Flight Sciences Branch at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD facility. The role involves preparing weapons and instrumentation, conducting both standard and non-standard experiments, and documenting methods and results for technical reports.

Responsibilities include data reduction using Excel, designing fixtures in CAD, and working under a certified test director with potential travel and overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• An associate's degree in Engineering Technology or related discipline is desired.
• Advanced working knowledge of common laboratory equipment such as shop tools and machinery, equipment mounts, precision measurement tools, electronic sensors, communication cabling, and diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes.
• Ability to carefully follow detailed instructions, specifications, and test plans to enable safe, high-quality experiments.
• Ability to envision and develop innovative test setups and procedures to experimentally quantify the performance of non-standard weapons and munitions.
• Experience working with weapons and ammunition is desired but not required.
• Experience in small-scale mechanical design and fabrication is desired but not required. Experience with technical drawing using software like Solidworks is desired but not required. Experience with fabrication tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and 3D printers is desired but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, reliable work.
• Ability to work safely with laboratory tools, equipment, and chemicals.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a technical team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to work in an industrial laboratory environment and follow applicable safety, security, and environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up and prepare weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation for ballistic tests; follow drawings to determine fabrication adequacy and assemble standard equipment.
• Conduct standard and non-standard experiments as part of a team of engineers and technicians; prepare test specimens, adjust equipment, and record data.
• Perform data reduction and interpretation; use Excel and related software; communicate key takeaways to the team.
• Provide recommendations for improving operations and equipment; write SOPs for new equipment and experiments.
• Troubleshoot and repair simple instruments or equipment; design prototype fixtures using CAD (SolidWorks).
• Fabricate and modify testing components using lathes, drills, milling machines, and 3D printers.
• Document setup, methodologies, and results in technical reports; present findings to range visitors and partners.

Skills

Lab equipment

Measurement tools

Oscilloscopes

Follow instructions

Innovative test setups

SolidWorks

Fabrication tools

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

MS Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Engineering Technology

Tools

SolidWorks

Oscilloscopes

Shop tools

3D printers

Milling machines

Job description

Overview

Experimental Ballistics Technician (ARL EFTSS 2026-26257):

Bowhead seeks an Experimental Ballistics Technician to support the Flight Sciences Branch (FSB) within the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL). Duty station will be at the Aerodynamics Experimental Facility (AEF) at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD. The mission at this facility is to experimentally study in high fidelity the transitional and exterior ballistics of next-generation developmental Army munitions and weapons. This work will include both indoor and outdoor experimental tests and firings.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• Independently set up and prepare weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation for ballistic e Check drawings provided by engineers and scientists to determine the adequacy of the drawings for fabrication and successful completion of the associated test. Following either specific or loosely-defined instructions, assemble or construct standard equipment or parts. Provide innovative solutions to overcome technical challenges associated with non-standard testing requirements.
• Conduct standard and non-standard experiments as a part of a close-knit team of engineers and technicians under the direction of a certified test director. This involves preparing test specimens, adjusting and operating equipment, and recording test data.
• Perform advanced experimental data reduction and interpretation. This requires basic math skills, an ability to use computers, and a good understanding of data reduction software like Microsoft Excel. Extract key takeaways from experiment and communicate to experimental team.
• Provide recommendations for improving operations by recommending new equipment, methods, or materials for accomplishment of tasks, consistent with applicable regulatory guidance and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Working with laboratory leadership, write SOPs for new types of equipment and experiments.
• Troubleshoot and correct equipment malfunctions. May service or repair simple instruments or equipment.
• Design advanced prototype fixtures, instruments, and machinery in 2D and 3D using CAD software such as Solidworks.
• Fabricate and modify advanced testing components using tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and 3D printers.
• Document experimental setup, methodologies, and results in technical reports as a lead author.
• Provide presentations of work to range visitors, to range engineers, and to outside organizations. Represent the range at outside organizations and professional groups to transition experimental methodologies and findings.
• Contribute to the maintenance/upkeep (sweeping, general organization, and housekeeping) of the facility. Make improvements to the facility as required for specific projects and to improve overall experimental capabilities. Develop long-term plans with laboratory leadership to improve the range.
• Develop and achieve certifications relevant to the team such as certified Ammo Handler, Gunner, and Test Director (certification through on-the-job training).
• Subject to travel on short notice and could be subjected to frequent unscheduled overtime on short notice.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required. An associate's degree in Engineering Technology or related discipline is desired.
• Advanced working knowledge of common laboratory equipment such as shop tools and machinery, equipment mounts, precision measurement tools, electronic sensors, communication cabling, and diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes.
• Ability to carefully follow detailed instructions, specifications, and test plans to enable safe, high-quality experiments.
• Ability to envision and develop innovative test setups and procedures to experimentally quantify the performance of non-standard weapons and munitions.
• Experience working with weapons and ammunition is desired but not required. Relevant activities include weapon disassembly, repair, maintenance, and precision loading
• Experience in small-scale mechanical design and fabrication is desired but not required. Experience with technical drawing using software like Solidworks is desired but not required. Experience with fabrication tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and 3D printers is desired but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, reliable work.
• Ability to work safely with laboratory tools, equipment, and chemicals.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a technical team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to work in an industrial laboratory environment and follow applicable safety, security, and environmental requirements.

Must maintain at all times:

• Secret Clearance
• Certification to operate Government and Team Bowhead Equipment and Vehicles
• Pass all required training deemed necessary by the facility manager and be familiar with all sites and SOPs for every site at the facility

This is a CBA position and hourly rate will be $34.31

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.