Senior Ballistic Armor Acquisition & Test Engineer SME

Cherokee Federal • United States,

1d

About The Position

The NSWC PCD S24 Anti-Terrorism Afloat Equipment (ATAE) Team is seeking a contractor Subject Matter Expert with deep technical expertise in soft and hard ballistic armor systems. The role supports the S24 Program Manager across the lifecycle development, testing, qualification, and sustainment of ATAE body armor and personal protective systems.

The position includes reviewing and witnessing ballistic testing, analyzing reports, investigating test failures, advising on commercial test laboratories, and maintaining configuration control and traceability. It also supports user evaluations, procurement requirements, technical documentation, and coordination with Navy and joint-service stakeholders. The position requires U.S. citizenship and an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one. Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent military/contractor technical experience.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in personal armor, PPE, or tactical life-support systems.
• Hands-on expertise in ballistic testing methodologies, performance standards, and test range protocols for both soft armor and hard armor.
• Experience witnessing and evaluating FAT/LAT ballistic test events at Aberdeen Test Center or certified commercial ballistic testing facilities.
• Experience authoring or contributing to military Purchase Descriptions, technical manuals, and Maintenance Requirement Cards.
• Must be a U.S. citizen; the posting also states the position is restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and requires documentation of that status to qualify.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional standing or moving about the office for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience supporting Navy acquisition programs, particularly NSWC PCD, NAVSEA, or PM-ICE / Soldier Protective Services.
• Familiarity with naval buoyancy and maritime survivability constraints for body armor, including human buoyancy testing, salt-water exposure, and neutrally buoyant plates.
• Active participation in the Body Armor Working Group or multi-service personal protective gear forums.
• Working knowledge of DCMA quality oversight, FAR/DFARS compliance, and CMPRO/configuration management toolsets.

Responsibilities

• Analyze ballistic test plans and protocols from ATC and commercial facilities against applicable DoD specifications, military standards, and Purchase Descriptions.
• Witness First Article Testing (FAT) and Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) at Aberdeen Test Center and qualified commercial ballistic laboratories.
• Review, validate, and summarize test results and ballistic test reports.
• Lead root-cause investigations after FAT/LAT ballistic or environmental non-conformances and develop corrective and preventive actions with contractors and laboratories.
• Evaluate and advise the Government on commercial laboratory technical capabilities, accreditation, and utilization.
• Evaluate Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and Requests for Variance (RFVs) in coordination with DCMA and the TWH.
• Maintain traceability and configuration control of soft armor packages, hard armor inserts and plates, and carrier systems throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute user evaluation events, including Limited User Evaluations, Fleet/Follow-on User Evaluations, human factors assessments, and human buoyancy/water ingress testing.
• Collect, synthesize, and report user feedback and performance data to guide design iterations and procurement decisions.
• Provide engineering inputs, performance parameters, and verification requirements for system-level Purchase Descriptions and solicitation packages.
• Author and edit operator manuals, equipment handbooks, use and care manuals, and Maintenance Requirement Cards in support of Planned Maintenance System requirements.
• Represent the NSWC PCD S24 ATAE Program in inter-service working groups, including the Joint Service Body Armor Working Group.
• Coordinate technical requirements and lessons learned across naval and joint-service stakeholders, including APM, TWH, NCTRF, and Army counterparts.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options.
• Professional development, training, and certification support.
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior