Senior Ballistic Armor Acquisition and Test Engineer, SME

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Assist the S24 Program Manager in overseeing the comprehensive lifecycle of development, testing, qualification, and maintenance of ATAE body armor and personal protective systems.

• Assess and review ballistic test plans and protocols to ensure compliance with DoD specifications and military standards.

• Observe First Article Testing and Lot Acceptance Testing at the Aberdeen Test Center as well as at qualified commercial ballistic laboratories.

• Analyze, verify, and summarize ballistic test outcomes and reports.

• Spearhead root-cause investigations following instances of ballistic or environmental non-conformance, and devise corrective and preventive measures.

• Evaluate and provide recommendations on the capabilities, accreditation, and usage of commercial ballistic testing laboratories.

• Assess Engineering Change Proposals and Requests for Variance in collaboration with DCMA and the TWH.

• Ensure traceability and configuration management of ballistic armor packages, inserts, plates, and carrier systems.

• Organize and conduct user evaluation events, human factors assessments, and tests related to human buoyancy/water ingress.

• Gather and report user feedback and performance data to inform design and procurement decisions.

• Create engineering inputs, performance criteria, and verification requirements for Purchase Descriptions and solicitation packages.

• Write and revise operator manuals, equipment handbooks, use and care manuals, and Maintenance Requirement Cards.

• Represent the NSWC PCD S24 ATAE Program in inter-service working groups.

• Coordinate technical requirements and share lessons learned among naval and joint-service stakeholders.

• Perform additional job-related tasks as required.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent military/contractor technical experience.

• Over 7 years of progressive experience in personal armor, PPE, or tactical life-support systems.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with ballistic testing methodologies, performance standards, and test range protocols for both soft and hard armor.

• Experience in observing and assessing FAT/LAT ballistic testing at the Aberdeen Test Center or other certified commercial ballistic testing facilities.

• Proven track record in authoring or contributing to military Purchase Descriptions, technical manuals, and Maintenance Requirement Cards.

• Must be a U.S. citizen.

• Active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one.

• Must successfully complete pre-employment qualifications set by Cherokee Federal.

• Ability to spend extended periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving around the office for extended durations.

• Preferred: Direct experience supporting Navy acquisition programs, particularly with NSWC PCD, NAVSEA, or PM-ICE / Soldier Protective Services.

• Preferred: Knowledge of naval buoyancy and maritime survivability constraints pertaining to body armor.

• Preferred: Active involvement in the Body Armor Working Group or multi-service personal protective gear forums.

• Preferred: Familiarity with DCMA quality oversight, FAR/DFARS compliance, and CMPRO/Configuration Management toolsets.

🏝️ Benefits

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match.

• Paid time off.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Prescription drug coverage.

• Basic life and AD&D insurance.

• Options for supplemental life insurance.

• Coverage for short-term and long-term disability.

• Paid holidays.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) options.

• Support for professional development, training, and certification.

• Voluntary benefits for accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection.