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Full Time Ballistics Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anne Arundel County

Firearms Examiner

Annapolis, MD

$70K - $137K/yr

This posting will be used to fill a Fulltime, Permanent, Safety Sensitive Firearms Examiner ... The position serves as a court qualified expert witness in the field of firearms and toolmark ...

Gentex Corp.

Optical Physicist

Simpson, PA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description PURPOSE: The Optical Physicist is a subject matter expert ... ballistic protection, variable light transmission, laser eye protection, and visual display ...

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Full Time Ballistics Expert information

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$86.5K

$121.4K

$165.5K

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

As of Sep 12, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Ballistics Expert jobs?

For Full Time Ballistics Expert jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Full Time Ballistics Expert jobs near you
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.

Senior Integrated Air and Missile Defense Expert

San Diego, CA

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about SAICexternal

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job ID: 2615983

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Category: Defense/Intel

Subcategory: Military Operations

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) expert to provide realistic training as IAMD Syndicate Lead during Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) events for Carrier Strike Groups, Amphibious Ready Groups, and other naval forces. This position is for someone who is passionate about tactical training and ensuring our Naval and Joint Forces are fully trained and ready for deployment.

Place of performance is San Diego, CA, with occasional travel to Fleet Concentration Areas.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Work is in support of complex tactical war games and integrated fleet training.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Operating as a white cell for IAMD during Distributed Training Exercises, to include coordinating with game control to ensure completion of training objectives, coordinating with Strike Groups, naval units, staffs, and USAF commands for exercise design, planning, orchestration, real-time execution, and development of Lessons Learned.
  • Lead a team of eight wargaming personnel who role play both Red and Blue Force IAMD assets ensuring that training objectives are fully accomplished in a realistic scenario.
  • Responsible for concept development of IAMD scenarios and detailed integrated air operations to support specific training objectives of CSG and ARG/MEU Fleet Synthetic Training exercises.
  • Provide classroom instruction on subjects ranging from Aegis capabilities, Theater Ballistic Missile Defense, Link 16 and CEC system integration, and Joint Air Operations.
  • Liaison with Navy and Joint Centers of Excellence to provide Subject Matter Expertise in support of the latest USN doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures for IAMD employment.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CLEARANCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 15 or more years of IAMD military experience.
  • IAMD Warfare Command, or CSG/ESG N3 ACOS deployed within a CWC or equivalent experience.
  • Thorough understanding of IAMD Aegis and aircraft capabilities, limitations, doctrine, and tactical employment.
  • Thorough understanding of employment, force planning, C2 and coordination requirements between Aegis ships, TACAIR, Joint and Coalition units, warfare commanders, afloat staffs, and MOCs.
  • Thorough understanding of foundational IAMD C5I systems to include, but not limited to, Link 16, CEC, GCCS, IBS.
  • Thorough understanding of capabilities, limitations, and integration issues of the various Aegis Baselines and SSDS.  Familiarity with current Navy IAMD OPTASKs, doctrine, and TTPs.  
  • Thorough understanding of CAOC operations and Joint and Coalition C2 architecture, ATO, ACO, and SPINS development.
  • Familiarity with primary IAMD threat doctrine, capabilities, tactics, and current operational patterns.
  • Experience briefing to audiences ranging from E-4 through O-7.
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen.
  • Active Secret clearance required with capability to upgrade to Top Secret; may require Special Access Program eligibility.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Aegis or E-2D Warfare Tactics Instructor certification.  
  • Experience with JSAF modeling and simulation system.
  • Experience with FST, LVC, and BMDEX.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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