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Ballistics Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The full LeadsOnline platform along with our Ballistics product line. You are the single owner of the customer's post-sale experience across products--not a product-line silo. * Geography: United ...

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Chemical Engineering with a minimum of 7 years of experience in internal ballistics analysis of solid rocket motor systems

R&D Test Engineer, Senior

Austin, TX · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

Plan and execute high-speed imaging campaigns for mechanism analysis (firearms cycling, feeding, extraction) and ballistic pattern capture (projectile trajectory relative to aerial targets) * Design ...

The full LeadsOnline platform along with our Ballistics product line. You are the single owner of the customer's post-sale experience across products--not a product-line silo. * Geography: United ...

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Ballistics information

See Texas salary details

$27.5K

$56.7K

$89K

How much do ballistics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for ballistics in Texas is $56,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $65,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ballistics expert?

Ballistics experts are specialists who study the behavior, effects, and movement of projectiles, such as bullets and missiles, especially in relation to firearms and crime scenes. Their main responsibilities include analyzing firearms, ammunition, and bullet trajectories to help law enforcement solve crimes. They often examine evidence from shooting incidents to determine the type of weapon used, the distance and angle of shots, and whether a particular firearm was involved. Ballistics experts may testify in court as expert witnesses, providing crucial information to support criminal investigations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ballistics expert?

To thrive as a Ballistics Expert, you need a solid background in forensic science, physics, and criminal justice, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, firearms identification systems, and ballistics databases such as NIBIN is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills for preparing reports and testifying in court. These competencies ensure precise analysis of ballistic evidence, support criminal investigations, and uphold the integrity of legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by ballistics experts when working on crime scene investigations?

Ballistics experts often encounter challenges such as limited or degraded evidence, complex crime scenes, and the need to accurately match bullets or cartridge cases to specific firearms. Time constraints and the pressure to deliver reliable results for legal proceedings can add to the complexity. Collaboration with law enforcement, forensic teams, and legal professionals is essential to ensure thorough analysis, clear communication, and proper documentation of findings.

What is the difference between Ballistics vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectBallisticsForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsGun safety, firearm handling, sometimes certifications in ballistics analysisDegree in forensic science, chemistry, or biology; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime scenes, shooting rangesCrime labs, laboratories, crime scenes
Industry UsageLaw enforcement, military, forensic labsLaw enforcement, forensic labs, legal proceedings
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding firearm analysis, ballistic testingCrime scene investigation, evidence analysis

While both roles are involved in criminal investigations, Ballistics specialists focus specifically on firearm and projectile analysis, whereas Forensic Scientists have a broader scope, including analyzing various types of evidence. Ballistics is a specialized field within forensic science, often requiring specific firearm-related certifications, and typically involves working directly with firearms and ballistic evidence.

How do you get a job in ballistics?

To work in ballistics, candidates typically need a background in physics, engineering, or a related science field, often requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Gaining experience through internships, specialized training, or certifications in firearms, forensic science, or related areas can improve job prospects; familiarity with testing equipment and safety protocols is also important.

What kind of careers use ballistics?

Ballistics is used in careers such as forensic scientists, firearms experts, defense analysts, and ammunition manufacturers. These roles often require knowledge of projectile behavior, access to specialized testing equipment, and relevant certifications or training in physics, engineering, or forensic science.

What are popular job titles related to Ballistics jobs in Texas?

For Ballistics jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ballistics jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Ballistics jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Ballistics job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,685 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Partnership Opportunity: Ballistics Expert (TX Network)

Dane Street, LLC

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Dane Street is a leading national provider of Independent Medical Examinations (IME) and Peer Review services. We pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based, objective, and timely medical and specialized technical reviews to the Workers' Compensation, Auto, and Disability markets.
We are currently expanding our specialty panel to include Ballistics Experts to provide expert analysis and testimony on complex firearms, ammunition, and shooting incident litigation cases.
The Role


As an Expert Witness for Dane Street, you will apply your deep technical knowledge of ballistics, firearms operation, ammunition performance, and forensic analysis to evaluate the merits of legal claims. You will act as a neutral third-party expert, providing objective analysis through written reports and, when necessary, oral testimony.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Comprehensive Evidence Review: Analyze firearm evidence, ballistic reports, projectile trajectories, ammunition data, autopsy findings, laboratory results, and law enforcement documentation.
  • Incident Reconstruction: Review scene photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to assess shooting dynamics, firearm discharge patterns, and compliance with accepted forensic standards.
  • Expert Reporting: Author clear, well-supported, and objective expert reports detailing findings, methodologies, and professional opinions.
  • Litigation Support: Provide credible deposition and/or trial testimony to explain complex ballistic and forensic findings to attorneys, judges, or juries.


Qualifications

  • Industry Expertise: Extensive background in forensic ballistics, firearms examination, crime laboratory analysis, law enforcement firearms investigation, or related forensic disciplines.
  • Testimony Experience: Required. Candidates must have prior experience providing sworn testimony in depositions or trial settings as a disclosed expert.
  • Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of firearm mechanics, ammunition characteristics, trajectory analysis, gunshot residue evaluation, and accepted forensic examination methodologies.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret complex forensic evidence and communicate technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Communication: Exceptional writing skills and the ability to meet strict legal and reporting deadlines.

Benefits

  • Ultimate Flexibility: This is a case-by-case 1099 position. You have full autonomy to accept or decline assignments based on your current schedule and expertise.
  • Competitive Compensation: We offer attractive hourly or flat-rate fees for review time, report preparation, and testimony.
  • Full Administrative Support: Dane Street handles all intake, records organization, and delivery. We provide all case materials through our secure platform so you can focus on the analysis.
  • Efficient Workflow: Standard report turnaround time is typically 5 business days from receipt of all materials.

Join the Dane Street Panel

If you are a seasoned ballistics professional with the litigation experience necessary to provide high-level forensic analysis, we invite you to apply. Help us bring clarity, scientific expertise, and objective firearm analysis to the forefront of complex case reviews.