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Full Time Ballistics Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer, Senior

Dahlgren, VA

$106K - $145K/yr

... fill full-time Senior Systems Engineer / Senior Navy Subject Matter Expert (SME) positions in ... Ballistic Missile Defense (ABMD), Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), Integrated Air and Missile ...

Regular Full-time Job Number: 16683 Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences Division: Firearms ... Provides expert testimony; provides technical assistance to law enforcement and attorneys * Assists ...

Security Officer

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$20.27 - $24.36/hr

The Security Services Team is seeking a full time Security Officer to join their team! Key Duties ... ballistic vest and body camera) Communication with staff and patients in a calm demeanor under ...

Showing results 21-40

Full Time Ballistics Expert information

See salary details

$86.5K

$121.4K

$165.5K

How much do full time ballistics expert jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time ballistics expert in the United States is $121,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time ballistics expert?

Full time ballistics experts are forensic scientists who specialize in analyzing firearms, ammunition, and the effects of projectiles. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes involving guns by examining bullets, cartridge cases, gunpowder patterns, and firearm mechanisms. Their work helps determine how and when a weapon was used, identify the type of firearm, and sometimes link a specific gun to a crime scene. Ballistics experts often testify in court as expert witnesses and play a crucial role in solving criminal cases involving firearms.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a full time ballistics expert?

To thrive as a Full Time Ballistics Expert, a solid background in forensic science, physics, and criminal justice—often with a relevant degree and specialized training—is essential. Expertise with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and firearms identification systems, along with certifications such as AFTE (Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners), is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting evidence and presenting findings in court. These capabilities ensure accurate evidence analysis, support criminal investigations, and uphold the integrity of the justice system.

What are common challenges a full time ballistics expert might face when working with law enforcement agencies?

A Full Time Ballistics Expert often encounters challenges such as managing large caseloads with tight deadlines, ensuring the integrity and chain of custody for evidence, and staying current with evolving forensic technologies. Coordination with law enforcement agencies can sometimes be demanding, especially when cases require testimony in court or collaboration across jurisdictions. Additionally, experts must maintain high attention to detail and accuracy under pressure, as their analyses can be critical to the outcome of criminal investigations.

What is the difference between Full Time Ballistics Expert vs Part Time Ballistics Analyst?

AspectFull Time Ballistics ExpertPart Time Ballistics Analyst
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in ballisticsSimilar credentials, often part-time or ongoing education
Work EnvironmentFull-time forensic labs, crime scenes, courtroomsPart-time lab work, case reviews, consulting
Industry UsageWidely employed in law enforcement and forensic agenciesConsultants or adjuncts, less common in agencies

Full Time Ballistics Experts typically work full-time in forensic labs or law enforcement agencies, handling investigations and court testimonies. Part Time Ballistics Analysts may work on specific cases or consulting projects, often with flexible hours. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in hours and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ballistics Expert jobs?

The most popular types of Ballistics Expert jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Ballistics Expert job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 2% Temporary, 27% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $121,377 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Nuclear Weapons SME / NNSA SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Livermore, CA • On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE IN GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND.

This position provides relocation support to the Germantown area.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) in support of the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated, long-term, 100% on-site position at the Department of Energy facility in Germantown, Maryland. This position provides relocation support to the Germantown area.

The SME will be trained to conduct classification review and analysis of government material in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), and National Security Information (NSI) technical areas such as:

  • Nuclear weapon design, development, testing, production, and deployment
  • Nuclear weapon science
  • Inertial confinement fusion (ICF)
  • Ballistic missile and/or reentry body/vehicle design, development, testing, production, and deployment
  • Special nuclear material (SNM) production technologies such as, but not limited to, isotope separation technologies (atomic vapor laser isotope separation, gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, etc.) and nuclear material processing
  • Counterintelligence and nuclear intelligence
  • Military utilization of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon effects
  • Nuclear nonproliferation (technology and/or safeguards programs)
  • Radiological weapons and improvised nuclear devices
  • Space nuclear reactors and naval nuclear propulsion

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $165,000 to $185,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Security Clearance:

MUST possess an active DOE Q clearance or an active DoD Top Secret clearance

Experience & Skills:

The SME shall ideally have five (5) years total field and/or program office experience in one or more of the following:

  • Nuclear weapons design and improvised nuclear devices
  • Nuclear material production, such as but not limited to isotope separation technologies (atomic vapor laser isotope separation, gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, etc.), and nuclear material processing
  • Counterintelligence and nuclear intelligence
  • Weapon science and inertial confinement fusion
  • Military utilization of nuclear weapons

Education:

The candidate must be able to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15, and score accordingly on the Nelson Denny reading assessment test.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences (or a related area of engineering) from an accredited college or university. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option available at a company-subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical plan options with UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.