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Ballistic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer (Senior)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

... Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems. Responsibilities * Lead systems engineering efforts across the full system lifecycle, including requirements development, design, integration, testing, and ...

Systems Engineer (Senior)

San Diego, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

... Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems. Responsibilities * Lead systems engineering efforts across the full system lifecycle, including requirements development, design, integration, testing, and ...

Conduct ballistics & thermal analyses to verify and corroborate supplier efforts * Specify ... Experience with ground test hardware, including releasing engineering definition and developing ...

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. ... Conduct ballistics & thermal analyses to verify and corroborate supplier efforts * Specify ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ballistic Engineer information

See California salary details

$19.6K

$88.1K

$159.6K

How much do ballistic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for ballistic engineer in California is $88,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,189.00 and $123,382.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ballistic Engineer vs Ballistics Analyst?

AspectBallistic EngineerBallistics Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering; knowledge of ballistics and materials testingBachelor's in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or related; expertise in firearm and projectile analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, defense contractors, aerospace companiesCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, research institutionsLaw enforcement, forensic investigation, legal proceedings

While both roles involve understanding projectiles and their behavior, Ballistic Engineers focus on designing and testing weapons and materials, whereas Ballistics Analysts analyze firearm evidence for investigations. The roles differ mainly in their application—engineering versus forensic analysis—though they share foundational knowledge of ballistics principles.

What cities in California are hiring for Ballistic Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Ballistic Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Ballistic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,087 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

ATGPAC Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Tactical Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Sayres Defense

San Diego, CA • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Sayres is seeking an experienced Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Tactical Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME)in San Diego, CA with a SECRET clearance, verifiable in DISS.
Responsibilities
In support of BMD Training at CNSP/ATGPAC, the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Tactical Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) will:
  • Provides subject matter expertise in a direct or consulting role in a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) training environment.
  • Plans training strategies and organizes resources to accomplish organizational and training goals.
  • Provides expert BMD guidance, advice, and training. Also, assesses and proposes BMD policy and training curriculum changes.

Qualifications & Clearance Requirements
  • Experience conducting shipboard BMD watch-team training or recent in-depth experience conducting BMD exercises, training, or operations.
  • Naval Officer or Enlisted qualified as an Aegis BMD Tactical Action Officer; BMD Watch Officer (BMDWO/BMDO); Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC) or Combat Systems Controller (CSC).
  • Must possess an ACTIVE Secret security clearance verifiable in DISS.

About Sayres Defense
Sayres Defense supports critical U.S. Navy shipbuilding and maritime programs, delivering acquisition, engineering, logistics, and waterfront expertise that strengthens fleet readiness and lifecycle sustainment.
The position description is only meant to be a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by the incumbents of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform position-related tasks other than those stated in this description. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
At Sayres, our employees enjoy an atmosphere conducive to realizing their potential through personal and professional development while simultaneously exceeding customers' expectations.
We offer a broad spectrum of technical, engineering and administrative services including acquisition, financial and program management; fleet synthetic training; logistics; ship construction engineering; systems engineering and integration; wargaming; test and evaluation; security, counterintelligence and policy analysis.
Sayres is headquartered in Washington, DC with offices throughout the United States and has a presence abroad.
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