Experimental Ballistics Technician

Job Duties

• Independently set up and prepare weapons, ammunition, and instrumentation for ballistic experiments.
• Check drawings provided by engineers and scientists to ensure adequacy for fabrication and test success.
• Assemble or construct standard equipment or parts following either specific or loosely-defined instructions.
• Provide innovative solutions to overcome technical challenges associated with non-standard testing requirements.
• Conduct standard and non-standard experiments as 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.
• Communicate key takeaways from experiments to the experimental team.
• Recommend new equipment, methods, or materials for task accomplishment, consistent with regulatory guidance and safety 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 like 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.
• Present work to range visitors, range engineers, and outside organizations.
• Represent the range at outside organizations and professional groups to transition experimental methodologies and findings.
• Maintain the facility by sweeping, organizing, and performing housekeeping tasks.
• 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 (through on-the-job training).

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 like 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.
• Significant physical labor associated with setup and teardown of equipment and materiel at test sites.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of walking, standing, bending, or stooping.
• Exposure to all types of weather conditions.
• Follow all safety regulations and use proper protective gear or equipment.