Experimental Ballistics Technician
On-siteAberdeen, Maryland, United States
Aberdeen, Maryland, United StatesOn-siteFull TimeHigh School Or EquivalentLarge
Full TimeHigh School Or EquivalentLarge
Job Summary
Conduct standard and non-standard experiments at the Aerodynamics Experimental Facility by preparing test specimens, adjusting equipment, and recording data under a certified test director. Independently set up weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation; envision innovative test setups to quantify performance of next-generation munitions. Fabricate and modify testing components using lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and 3D printers to design advanced prototype fixtures. Perform advanced experimental data reduction and interpretation in Excel, then document methodologies and results in technical reports as lead author. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, write safety standard operating procedures, and present findings to range visitors and outside organizations. Work outdoors in all weather conditions with physical demands including lifting 50 pounds and prolonged standing. Maintain a Secret clearance and achieve certifications such as Ammo Handler and Gunner.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds
- Ability to twist, bend and squat periodically
- Ability to work in all types of typical local weather conditions, at heights, and in confined spaces
- Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level
- US Citizenship
- Ability to independently set up and prepare weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation for ballistic tests
- Ability to check drawings provided by engineers and scientists to determine the adequacy of the drawings for fabrication and successful completion of the associated test
- Ability to follow either specific or loosely-defined instructions, assemble or construct standard equipment or parts
- Ability to provide innovative solutions to overcome technical challenges associated with non-standard testing requirements
- Ability to 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
- Ability to prepare test specimens, adjust and operate equipment, and record test data
- Ability to perform advanced experimental data reduction and interpretation
- Ability to extract key takeaways from experiment and communicate to experimental team
- Ability to 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)
- Ability to work with laboratory leadership, write SOPs for new types of equipment and experiments
- Ability to troubleshoot and correct equipment malfunctions
- Ability to service or repair simple instruments or equipment
- Ability to design advanced prototype fixtures, instruments, and machinery in 2D and 3D using CAD software such as Solidworks
- Ability to fabricate and modify advanced testing components using tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and 3D printers
- Ability to document experimental setup, methodologies, and results in technical reports as a lead author
- Ability to provide presentations of work to range visitors, to range engineers, and to outside organizations
- Ability to represent the range at outside organizations and professional groups to transition experimental methodologies and findings
- Ability to contribute to the maintenance/upkeep (sweeping, general organization, and housekeeping) of the facility
- Ability to make improvements to the facility as required for specific projects and to improve overall experimental capabilities
- Ability to develop long-term plans with laboratory leadership to improve the range
- Ability to develop and achieve certifications relevant to the team such as certified Ammo Handler, Gunner, and Test Director (certification through on-the-job training)
- Ability to pass all required training deemed necessary by the facility manager and be familiar with all sites and SOPs for every site at the facility
- Advanced working knowledge of basic mechanical, electrical, and mathematical principles
- Advanced working knowledge of common laboratory equipment such as shop tools and machinery, equipment mounts, precision measurement tools, electronic sensors, communications cabling, and diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes
- Working knowledge of computers and basic productivity software such as Microsoft Word and Excel
- Excellent attention to detail and understanding of measurement tolerances
- 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
- Ability to maintain at all times: Secret Clearance
- Ability to maintain at all times: Certification to operate Government and Team Bowhead Equipment and Vehicles
Desired Qualifications
- An associate's degree in engineering technology or related discipline
- 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
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