Experimental Ballistics Technician

UIC Alaska•Aberdeen, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Bowhead seeks an Experimental Ballistics Technician to support the Flight Sciences Branch (FSB) within the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL). The 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 required.
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.
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
US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Nice To Haves

An associate's degree in Engineering Technology or related discipline is desired.
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.

Responsibilities

Independently set up and prepare weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation for ballistic tests.
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 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).
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.