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Body Armor Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Central Lake Armor Express, Inc.

Servicing Operator

Eden, NC

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Perform automatic or manual bundling of soft body armor packages * Inspects and counts the layers ... This job is indoors in a traditional manufacturing/warehouse setting. Activities are primarily done ...

safariland

Technical Designer

Ontario, CA

In this role, you are responsible for finalizing the fit, function, and consistency of Body Armor carrier design by adhering to fit standards and manufacturing methods. Creates block/style-specific ...

safariland

Technical Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

In this role, you are responsible for finalizing the fit, function, and consistency of Body Armor carrier design by adhering to fit standards and manufacturing methods. Creates block/style-specific ...

Safariland

Technical Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$60K - $95K/yr

In this role, you are responsible for finalizing the fit, function, and consistency of Body Armor carrier design by adhering to fit standards and manufacturing methods. Creates block/style-specific ...

Safariland

Technical Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

In this role, you are responsible for finalizing the fit, function, and consistency of Body Armor carrier design by adhering to fit standards and manufacturing methods. Creates block/style-specific ...

Safariland

Technical Designer

Ontario, CA

In this role, you are responsible for finalizing the fit, function, and consistency of Body Armor carrier design by adhering to fit standards and manufacturing methods. Creates block/style-specific ...

Guardiar

Account & Contract Specialist

Aberdeen, WA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Hesco Armor, Inc. (HAI) is a long-time manufacturer of Hard Armor Plates for personal ballistic ... Experience in body armor sales * Experience with State/Local/Federal Law Enforcement

Albany International

General Manager

Keller, TX · On-site

Experience working with body armor or defense-related manufacturing projects. * Knowledge of advanced logistics and supply chain management. * Familiarity with utility requirements for heavy ...

Albany International Corp.

General Manager

Keller, TX · On-site

Experience working with body armor or defense-related manufacturing projects. * Knowledge of advanced logistics and supply chain management. * Familiarity with utility requirements for heavy ...

The Armor Group

Wet Coat Painter

Mason, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Mixes various kinds of paint to exact tolerances and adheres to paint manufacturers specifications ... bending their body in different directions according to how parts should be painted. The Armor ...

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Body Armor Manufacturing information

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$14

$38

$53

How much do body armor manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for body armor manufacturing in the United States is $38.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Body Armor Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Body Armor Manufacturing, you need technical knowledge in materials science, mechanical aptitude, and experience with manufacturing processes, often supported by a relevant technical degree or vocational training. Familiarity with CAD software, testing equipment, and industry safety standards or certifications (such as NIJ compliance) is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help individuals excel in this role. Mastery of these skills ensures the production of high-quality, reliable body armor that meets safety standards and protects end users.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in body armor manufacturing?

Professionals in body armor manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality standards, adhering to evolving safety regulations, and keeping up with advancements in materials technology. The role typically involves close collaboration with engineers, quality assurance teams, and suppliers to ensure that products meet both legal and performance requirements. Staying current with industry innovations and continuously improving production processes are essential for career growth in this field.

What is body armor manufacturing?

Body armor manufacturing is the process of designing, producing, and testing protective garments and equipment intended to shield individuals from ballistic, stab, or other physical threats. This field involves selecting advanced materials like Kevlar, ceramics, or polyethylene, and assembling them into vests, plates, or other protective gear. Manufacturers must adhere to strict industry standards and testing protocols to ensure their products provide reliable protection. The industry serves military, law enforcement, and civilian markets, and is continually evolving with advancements in materials science and engineering.

What is the difference between Body Armor Manufacturing vs Ballistics Technician?

AspectBody Armor ManufacturingBallistics Technician
Required CredentialsManufacturing certifications, safety trainingPhysics or criminal justice background, certifications in ballistics testing
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsLaboratories, testing facilities
Industry UsageMilitary, law enforcement, private securityLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs

While both roles serve security and defense industries, Body Armor Manufacturing focuses on producing protective gear in factory settings, whereas Ballistics Technicians test and analyze projectile performance in labs. They share some certifications but differ mainly in work environment and specific job functions.

Infographic showing various Body Armor Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,500 per year, or $38.2 per hour.
Product Line Manager Hard Armor

Product Line Manager Hard Armor

Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.

Pompano Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Summary: The Hard Armor Product Line Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of the hard armor product portfolio, including ballistic plates, shields, and related protective systems. This role blends strategic planning with tactical execution to define product strategy, drive development, and ensure commercial success. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of NIJ standards, defense industry trends, and user requirements within military, law enforcement, and security sectors. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the personal protection and body armor industry, outstanding cross-functional leadership, and the ability to balance technical, customer, and business requirements. This position plays a key role in driving innovation, ensuring product quality, overseeing production processes, and delivering on both customer expectations and business goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Lifecycle & Strategic Management
  • Oversee the full product lifecycle from concept to end-of-life for hard armor lines.
  • Define and execute product strategies that align with customer needs, market demands, and organizational objectives.
  • Collaborate with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Engineering to develop and refine product roadmaps.
  • Maintain deep knowledge of industry standards (e.g., NIJ) and ensure compliance across all products.

Production Oversight & Process Management
  • Engage in both pre-production (planning) and production (control and supervision) stages.
  • Lead cross-functional efforts to ensure efficient, high-quality production output.
  • Address real-time production issues and bottlenecks, making rapid decisions to minimize downtime and meet delivery goals.
  • Ensure that customer orders are completed on time, within budget, and meet or exceed quality standards.

Cross-functional Coordination
  • Liaise between Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Customer Support to align strategy and execution.
  • Communicate production goals, changes, and process improvements clearly across teams.
  • Support the integration of customer feedback into continuous product and process improvements.

Performance Analysis & Reporting
  • Collect, analyze, and report on production and performance data.
  • Deliver insights and updates to factory leadership and customers to ensure transparency and alignment.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for process enhancements to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.

Process Improvement & Innovation
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
  • Identify and execute on opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
  • Ensure that all production strategies align with broader company policies, operational goals, and compliance requirements.

Competencies:
  • Product Lifecycle Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of bulletproof vest products, from concept and development through production, launch, and ongoing support.
  • Market Research: Conduct market analysis to understand customer needs, industry trends, and competitor activities, and use insights to shape product strategies.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and customer support teams to align product development and delivery goals.
  • Customer Focus: Engage with law enforcement and military stakeholders to gather feedback, understand operational challenges, and ensure products meet end-user needs.
  • Operational Oversight: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to establish process flows, production timelines, and capacity plans. Provide support to address production bottlenecks and maintain efficiency.
  • Compliance and Standards: Ensure all products comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards, working closely with quality assurance and compliance teams.
  • Data Analysis: Track product performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and market trends, and use data to guide product improvements and innovation.
  • Decision-Making: Make informed decisions regarding product features, enhancements, trade-offs, and resource allocation to maximize product value and profitability.
  • Cost Management: Work with finance and manufacturing teams to ensure products are developed and produced within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Product Launch: Drive go-to-market strategies, ensuring successful product launches in collaboration with marketing and sales teams.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; MBA or equivalent is a plus.
  • 5+ years of experience in product management, manufacturing operations, or production leadership-preferably within the personal protection/body armor industry.
    • Experience working with law enforcement or military stakeholders is highly desirable.
  • Solid understanding of NIJ standards and body armor materials and production processes.
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, develop strategic product plans, and drive performance metrics.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in data-driven decision-making.
  • Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems and continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
  • Legal Requirement: Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with federal contracting regulations. Must be a US person as defined by ITAR.
  • Language Proficiency: All candidates must be fluent in English, with the ability to speak, read, and write at a professional level.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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