Medium-Caliber Ammunition and Weapons Specialist

Description

SAIC is seeking a highly motivated Medium-Caliber Ammunition and Weapons Specialist to support the Specialized Munitions Division at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, IN.

Job Overview:
SAIC is seeking a passionate and highly skilled Medium-Caliber Ammunition / Weapon Specialist to support the Specialized Munitions Division at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane. This role is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience with weapons and ammunition, ideally with 20MM/25MM medium caliber, who are looking to deepen their weapons/ammunition expertise or already may have served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in firearms training, testing, or operations. The selected candidate will play a key role in live-fire evaluations, failure analyses, and weapon and ammunition safety initiatives that directly impact warfighter readiness.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct live-fire testing of 20MM/25MM medium-caliber ammunition to evaluate performance, mechanical reliability, and safety.
• Examine malfunctioning rounds to identify failure modes (e.g., misfires, duds, catastrophic failures), leveraging technical analysis such as x-rays, ballistics, and metallurgical evaluations.
• Draft detailed test plans, oversee test execution, and ensure data accuracy for meaningful evaluation and reporting.
• Ensure adherence to all explosives safety standards, including the development and compliance of Standard Explosive Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Analyze live-fire data and test results to create actionable recommendations for program improvement, safety assurance, and mission success.
• Support efforts tied to System Safety Reviews, including activities with the Weapon System Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB).
• Serve or develop as the technical expert on medium-caliber ammunition systems, ensuring solutions and recommendations are practical and driven by hands-on expertise.
• Provide comprehensive guidance to government stakeholders, including assessment of engineering investigations and ammunition program evaluations.
• Share firearms knowledge derived from practical experience, including operations, testing, and range management.
• Compile and present data and findings from investigations, tests, and evaluation activities in technical reports and briefings.
• Collaborate with other professionals to ensure action items, findings, and improvement recommendations are effectively tracked and addressed.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

• High School/GED diploma and 9 or more years' experience.
• Hands-on experience with firearms or weapons systems, particularly in testing, range operations, or training.
• Proven ability to develop test plans and write precise technical reports.
• Strong analytical and detail-oriented skills for failure analysis and technical evaluations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical findings to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel 3-4 times per year for evaluations, reviews, and program meetings.
• Interim secret clearance to start with the ability to obtain a secret clearance. SAIC will sponsor the clearance process.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Highly Desired Skills:

• Experience in military, government, or contractor roles involving weapon systems or firearms operations.
• 5+ years of experience with ammunition testing, weapons systems, or ordnance operations.
• Familiarity with NAVAIR programs, 20MM/25MM systems, or forensic ammunition investigations.
• Certifications or expertise in range safety, firearms training, or ammunition handling.
• Passion for firearms and a drive to develop expertise in ammunition and related weapon systems.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.