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Ballistics Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PWS Title: Senior Subject Matter Expert Target Engagement Systems Location : Fort Bragg, NC ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ballistics, or related field, or equivalent armorer ...

Enter and analyze ballistic evidence utilizing forensic databases. * Prepare detailed technical notes, examination documentation, and forensic laboratory reports. * Provide expert testimony regarding ...

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How much do ballistics expert jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for ballistics expert in the United States is $40.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $60.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ballistics expert?

A Ballistics Expert is a forensic specialist who analyzes firearms, ammunition, and ballistic evidence in criminal investigations. They examine bullet trajectories, gunpowder residue, and firearm markings to determine weapon usage and potentially link suspects to crime scenes. Ballistics Experts often testify in court as expert witnesses and work closely with law enforcement agencies. Their expertise helps solve firearm-related crimes by providing crucial forensic evidence.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a ballistics expert in a forensic laboratory setting?

Ballistics Experts in forensic laboratories are responsible for examining firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases to determine weapon type, origin, and whether a specific weapon was used in a crime. They use specialized microscopes and comparison technology to analyze markings and produce detailed, accurate reports on their findings. Collaboration with law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, and sometimes legal professionals is common, and Ballistics Experts may also be required to testify in court as subject matter experts. Effective documentation, meticulous laboratory work, and staying current with advancements in forensic technology are key aspects of the daily routine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ballistics expert, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ballistics Expert, you must have a strong background in forensic science, physics, and firearms identification, typically supported by a degree in a related field and specialized training in ballistics analysis. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, forensic databases, and ballistics software is crucial, and certifications from organizations like the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) are often advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication enhance performance in this role. These competencies are vital for accurately analyzing evidence, preparing reports, and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.

How do you become a ballistics expert?

To become a ballistics expert, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, physics, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or work in forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or military settings is important, along with developing skills in firearm analysis, trajectory analysis, and using specialized tools and software. Certification from professional organizations can also enhance credibility and job prospects.

How much money does a ballistics expert make?

The average salary for a ballistics expert ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals in forensic laboratories or law enforcement agencies often earn higher salaries, especially with specialized certifications and advanced skills in firearm analysis and forensic techniques.

What do ballistic experts do?

Ballistics experts analyze firearms, ammunition, and projectile behavior to determine factors like trajectory, velocity, and impact. They often work in forensic laboratories, assisting law enforcement with crime scene investigations, and use tools such as ballistic microscopes and software to evaluate evidence accurately.
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Infographic showing various Ballistics Expert job openings in the United States 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 $84,399 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Ballistic Missile Submarine Sme (must Have Security Clearance) S with Security Clearance

Spiral Solutions and Technologies, Inc.

Offutt Air Force Base, NE โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Description Spiral Solutions & Technologies, Inc. (SS&T) is seeking a Ballistic Missile Submarine Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Joint Exercises, Training, and Assessment Directorate (J7). The Ballistic Missile Submarine SME supports USSTRATCOM/J7 General, Campaign, and Strategic Assessments in the analysis of core mission areas including Global Strike and Nuclear Operations. This position applies practical nuclear submarine and ballistic missile submarine operational experience in support of campaign, risk, and operations assessments, mission analysis, planning team participation, and senior-level analytical products aligned to strategic deterrence objectives. Location: Offutt AFB, STRATCOM Requirements Key Responsibilities โ€ข Conduct graduate-level quality analysis and assessment of USSTRATCOM core mission areas including Global Strike and Nuclear Operations. โ€ข Perform at the senior operations assessment subject matter expert level by actively participating in USSTRATCOM, component, CCMD, and Joint Staff operations planning teams for Global Campaign Plan consolidated strategic opportunities, CCMD campaign plan or order operations, activities, and investments planning teams, and contingency or steady-state planning teams. โ€ข Produce CCMD-quality commander's estimates and perform mission analysis. โ€ข Analyze diplomatic, informational, military, economic, readiness, and cost information and determine progression or regression toward achievement of campaign, contingency, or exercise objectives through a set of measurement criteria. โ€ข Determine the effectiveness of U.S. operations, activities, and investments in shaping the strategic environment. โ€ข Develop, update, and maintain operations assessments. โ€ข Enter logical and defendable operations, activities, and investments assessments into databases and define, document, and articulate the logic for assessments of progression or regression toward achievement of objectives, effects, and risk. โ€ข Apply and articulate critical thought to identify trends in discrete individual assessments in order to synthesize information and create key findings. โ€ข Identify estimated, intended, and/or resultant cost-benefit of U.S. operations, activities, and investments toward shaping campaign, contingency, or exercise objectives and effects. โ€ข Provide recommendations to improve force integration, resource allocation, and strategic alignment. โ€ข Develop graduate-level quality briefings and reports with in-depth analysis and research, brief assessment findings to senior leaders, and respond to questions. โ€ข Support assessment activities requiring understanding of strategic deterrence, mission execution, and joint or combined operations planning. Required Qualifications Minimum 15 years of practical nuclear submarine experience as a commissioned officer, of which at least 3 years shall be in Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) operations. Minimum 2 years of experience working at the Office of the Secretary of War, Joint Staff, Combatant Command, service, numbered fleet command, or equivalent. Bachelor's degree or higher. Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 graduate. Operations center experience. U.S. Navy fleet headquarters, squadron headquarters, Operational Navy Joint Staff, and/or service component Joint Maritime Component Command (JFMCC) experience. Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with eligibility for NC2/ESI and Special Access Program (SAP) accesses, obtainable within 30 days of task order award. Preferred Qualifications โ€ข At least 15 years of practical nuclear submarine experience as an officer, at least three years of which shall be in a Ballistic Missile Submarine. โ€ข At least 2 years of experience working at the Office of the Secretary of War, Joint Staff, CCMD, service, numbered fleet command, or equivalent. โ€ข A bachelor's degree or higher. โ€ข Operations center experience required. โ€ข Joint Professional Military Education Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 graduate required. โ€ข U.S. Navy fleet headquarters, squadron headquarters, operational Navy Joint Staff, and/or service component Joint Maritime Component Command experience required. โ€ข U.S. citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications โ€ข Experience supporting campaign, contingency, or exercise assessments at the Combatant Command, Joint Staff, or service component level. โ€ข Experience developing commander's estimates, mission analysis products, or senior-level assessment briefings. โ€ข Experience working with strategic deterrence assessment frameworks, operations assessment processes, or campaign plan analysis. Security Clearance Requirements This position supports classified programs and requires access to classified systems and material. All contractor personnel must be United States citizens and possess a Top-Secret clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information, Nuclear Command and Control/Extremely Sensitive Information, and Special Access Program access prior to commencing work. Summary Benefits include: Medical Dental Vision Employer paid life insurance Voluntary life insurance 401K Flexible spending accounts Employee Assistance program Short- and long-term disability Home | Spiral Solutions & Technologies, Inc. (ssandtech.com) Equal Opportunity Employer: Spiral Solutions and Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local law.