Experimental Ballistics Technician

Engineering Technician III, with possible steps

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.

• Advanced working knowledge of basic mechanical, electrical, and mathematical principles. An associate’s degree in engineering technology or related discipline is desired, but is not required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Job duties require a significant amount of physical labor associated with setup and teardown of equipment and materiel at test sites. Ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds. Work often involves prolonged periods of walking, standing, bending, or stooping. Work is often performed outdoors exposing incumbent to all types of weather conditions. Incumbent must follow all safety regulations and use proper protective gear or equipment.

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• High school diploma or GED
• Independently set up and prepare weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation for ballistic e 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 experiment and communicate to 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.
• 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.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically.
• Must be able to work in all types of typical local weather conditions, at hieghts, and in confined spaces. 

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.