Experimental Ballistics Technician - Lab & Field Testing

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

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.