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 decisions.

Purchase Descriptions (PDs)

Formulate authoritative engineering inputs, performance parameters, and verification requirements for system-level Purchase Descriptions and solicitation packages.

Technical Manuals & Maintenance Data

Author and edit technical and operational documentation, including Operator Manuals, Equipment Handbooks, Use and Care Manuals, and Maintenance Requirement Cards (MRCs) in support of Planned Maintenance System (PMS) requirements.

• Represent the NSWC PCD S24 ATAE Program in inter-service working groups, including the Joint Service Body Armor Working Group (BAWG).
• Coordinate technical requirements and lessons learned across naval and joint-service stakeholders (APM, TWH, NCTRF, and Army counterparts).
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory/management authority

Basic Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent military/contractor technical experience) with 7+ years of progressive experience in personal armor, PPE, or tactical life-support systems.

Ballistic Expertise

Proven hands-on background in ballistic testing methodologies, performance standards, and test range protocols for both soft

• armor (flexible aramid/UHMWPE packages) and hard armor (ceramic, metallic, composite inserts/plates).

Range & Quality Oversight

Demonstrated experience witnessing and evaluating FAT/LAT ballistic test events at Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) or certified commercial ballistic testing facilities.

Technical Writing

Proven track record authoring or contributing to military Purchase Descriptions (PDs), technical manuals, and Maintenance Requirement Cards (MRCs).

• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting Navy acquisition programs, particularly NSWC PCD, NAVSEA, or PM-ICE / Soldier Protective Services.
• Familiarity with naval buoyancy and maritime survivability constraints for body armor (human buoyancy testing, salt-water exposure, neutrally buoyant plates).
• Active participation in the Body Armor Working Group (BAWG) or multi-service personal protective gear forums.
• Strong working knowledge of DCMA quality oversight, FAR/DFARS compliance, and CMPRO/Configuration Management toolsets.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent

people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Government Solutions, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-AP1 #APPC2

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

For applicants located in Colorado, New York, California, Washington, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, or other states with pay transparency requirements: the estimated annual salary range for this position is available upon request. Actual compensation varies based on qualifications, experience, and location.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at careers@cherokee-federal.com.