Senior Ballistic Armor Acquisition & Test Engineer SME

Senior Ballistic Armor Acquisition & Test Engineer SME

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered.

Position Summary:

The NSWC PCD S24 Anti-Terrorism Afloat Equipment (ATAE) Team is seeking a dedicated, highly qualified contractor Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep technical expertise in both soft and hard ballistic armor systems. This role will directly support the S24 Program Manager (PM) in managing the full lifecycle development, testing, qualification, and sustainment of ATAE body armor and personal protective systems.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Senior Ballistic Armor Acquisition & Test Engineer SME: Pay commensurate with experience.

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security

• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most

• 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 (EAP)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options

• Professional development, training, and certification support

• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

• Test Documentation Review:
Thoroughly analyze and evaluate ballistic test plans and protocols generated by ATC and commercial test facilities against applicable DoD specifications and military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-662, NIJ standards, specific Purchase Descriptions).

• Test Witnessing:
Witness First Article Testing (FAT) and Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) on-site at Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) and qualified commercial ballistic laboratories (e.g., Element/NTS, Chesapeake Testing/Oregon Physics).

• Report Analysis:
Review, validate, and summarize test results and ballistic test reports produced by ATC and commercial facilities.

• Failure Analysis & Resolution:
Lead technical root-cause investigations following any FAT/LAT ballistic or environmental non-conformances, formulating corrective and preventive actions with contractors and labs.

• Commercial Lab Advisory:
Evaluate, recommend, and advise the Government on the technical capabilities, accreditation, and utilization of commercial testing laboratories.

• Evaluation of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and Requests for Variance (RFVs) in coordination with DCMA and the TWH.

• Ensure full traceability and strict configuration control of ballistic soft armor packages, hard armor inserts/plates, and carrier systems throughout the acquisition lifecycle

• Event Planning & Execution:
Plan, coordinate, and execute user evaluation events, including Limited User Evaluations (LUEs), Fleet/Follow-on User Evaluations (FUEs), human factors assessments, and human buoyancy/water ingress testing.

• Collect, synthesize, and report user feedback and performance data to guide design iterations and procurement…