Experimental Energetics Technician

UIC Arctic Response Services, LLC; Aberdeen (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead seeks an Experimental Energetics Technician to support laboratory operations, materials testing, coatings development, and data management in an industrial R&D environment. The role involves training for AEH, high explosives processing, and propellant handling as required by mission needs.

The technician will fabricate explosive warheads, operate processing equipment, document QA data, and ensure compliance with customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to learn laboratory procedures, equipment, and technical methods.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures accurately.
• 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 MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Fabricates and processes energetic materials and components with a high level of precision.
• Operates energetic processing equipment and monitors safety and quality controls.
• Performs data collection, documentation, and reporting of test results.
• Coordinates with engineers and technicians to plan assignments and troubleshooting.
• Supports development of standard operating procedures for new processes.
• Handles hazardous materials in compliance with Army regulations and guidelines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Experimental Energetics Technician (ARL EFTSS 2026-26272):

Bowhead seeks an Experimental Energetics Technician to support laboratory operations, materials testing, coatings development, equipment maintenance, and data management in an industrial research and development environment. The Technician must be able to participate in On-the-Job (OJT) Training for Ammunition & Explosive Handler (AEH), P-1 High Explosives Processor and performs the associated duties as the mission dictates. Utilizes both experimental and proven High Explosive material, as well as Propellant material in a variety of procedures and tests.

Responsibilities

The Technician performs assignments that are not completely standardized or prescribed, utilized as Subject Matter Expert for melt casting with COTS High explosive material and works in the development of small-scale melt case and other processing of experimental explosives. Performs non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity, using operational precedents which are not fully applicable, such assignments, which are typically parts of broader assignments, are screened to eliminate unusual design problems, may also plan such assignments. Receives special instruction/assembly procedure from engineer/test director. Supports Lead Government Technician in a wide variety of tasks.

Explosives Processing Tasks:

• Fabricates custom High Explosive Warheads for specialized testing, in direct support of Army Mission Programs.
• Prepares molds, warheads and associated fixtures for processing operations.
• Ensures compliance of finished products to all customer requirements.
• Prepares and operates energetics processing equipment including but not limited to melt kettles, vertical high shear mixers, horizontal mixers, presses, ovens, vacuum ovens, and saws, for and during energetic material processing operations.
• Operates remote monitoring camera equipment monitors controllers and recorders.
• Maintains, installs, and makes minor repairs to energetic processing equipment (standard and custom designed).
• Disassembles molds, warheads and associated fixtures.
• Measures and calculates physical properties such as density and porosity on charges, motors and warheads. Records and documents collected data.
• Compiles and records quality assurance quality control data and documents and reports accordingly.
• Handles hazardous materials, propellants, high explosives and associated materials in accordance with Army regulations and guidelines.
• Regularly conducting Risk Assessments for proven, experimental, and new procedures, to maximize hazard mitigation. This includes working with the Explosive Safety Office as plans/procedures are developed by conducting a walk through, and meetings.
• Conducts energetics processing operations including melt casting of explosives, cast/cure explosive processing, propellant processing and extrusion, explosive pressing and energetics machining and sawing.
• Recommends and implements enhancements to procedures to improve safety of operations.
• Hand finishes charges requiring high levels of precision to comply with set tolerances.
• Extracts and compiles a variety of engineering data from field notes, manuals, lab reports, etc.; processes data, identifying errors or inconsistencies; selects methods of data presentation. Supports the design modification by compiling data related to design, specifications, and materials which are pertinent to specific items of equipment or component parts.
• Completes deliveries of explosives and same date expenditures of ordnance items.
• Operates explosives laden vehicles and transports explosives IAW regulations.

Experimental Energetics Characterization Tasks:

• Conducts Experimental High Explosives Characterization Procedures.
• Consulted as Subject Matter Expert for melt cast capabilities and properties for experimental explosives.
• Conducts tests or experiments requiring selection and adaptation or modification of a wide variety of critical test equipment and test procedures; sets up and operates equipment; records data, measures and records problems of significant complexity that sometimes require resolution at a higher level; and analyzes data and prepares test reports.
• Conducts a variety of analyses and processing tasks on existing conventional and experimental explosives, propellants, energetic materials and associated facilities, equipment and materials.
• Conducts explosive sensitivity testing using Drop Hammer, Friction and Electrostatic Discharge tests.
• Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures for new and experimental processes.
• Prepares samples, and conducts Thermal Test Operation utilizing Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Vacuum Thermal Stability, and Henkin tests, as well as having a working knowledge of the operation, and maintenance of applicable equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or Vocational/Technical School education required.
• Willingness and ability to learn laboratory procedures, equipment, and technical methods.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures accurately.
• 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.
• P-1 Explosive Processor, AEH (Ammunition Explosive Handler)

This is a CBA position and hourly rate will be $30.90

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.