Experimental Ballistics Technician

Bowhead•Aberdeen, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position as an Engineering Technician III supports 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.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
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.
Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level.
US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in engineering technology or related discipline
Experience working with weapons and ammunition (weapon disassembly, repair, maintenance, and precision loading)
Experience in small-scale mechanical design and fabrication
Experience with technical drawing using software like Solidworks
Experience with fabrication tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and 3D printers

Responsibilities

Independently set up and prepare weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation for ballistic experiments.
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.
Prepare test specimens, adjust and operate equipment, and record test data.
Perform advanced experimental data reduction and interpretation.
Extract key takeaways from experiments and communicate to the 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).
Write SOPs for new types of equipment and experiments.
Troubleshoot and correct equipment malfunctions.
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.
Maintain Secret Clearance.
Maintain 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.