ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Innovations

Firearms Examiner

Dulles, VA · On-site

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

Harris County, TX

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$300K/yr

... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ... Provides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to medicolegal death ...

Harris County

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$300K/yr

... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ... Provides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to medicolegal death ...

Harris County

Assistant Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$300K/yr

... trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, medical students ... Provides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to medicolegal death ...

Harris County

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$166K/yr

... and teaches trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and ... Provides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to medicolegal death ...

Harris County

Deputy Chief Medical Examiner

Houston, TX · On-site

$166K/yr

... and teaches trainees (forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical residents, and ... Provides expert testimony in criminal and civil court matters relating to medicolegal death ...

Anne Arundel County, MD

Firearms Examiner

MD · On-site

$70K - $137K/yr

Enter and analyze computer data to include the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Conduct forensic image analysis. Testify in court as an expert witness. Assist other forensic ...

Anne Arundel County

Firearms Examiner

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$70K - $137K/yr

... Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Conduct forensic image analysis. Testify in court as an expert witness. Assist other forensic units, prosecutors, and allied agencies. Perform ...

Parkland Health

Current trainee holding a certificate of didactic course completion and actively working toward ... Testifies in court as an expert or fact witness. 5. Practices as a sexual assault nurse examiner in ...

Weekday AI

Psychiatry Expert

$150/hr

Current trainees do not qualify. * Medical degree: MD or DO. International medical degrees from ... Forensic Psychiatry * Geriatric Psychiatry * Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry * Subspecialty ...

Harris County

IBIS Support Technician

Houston, TX

$31K/yr

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... expert testimony; provides technical assistance to law enforcement and attorneys Assists with the ...

Harris County

IBIS Support Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$31K/yr

Position Description Mission The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to ... expert testimony; provides technical assistance to law enforcement and attorneys Assists with the ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsNursing JobsNurse JobsTrainee Forensic Ballistics Expert Jobs

Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert information

See salary details

$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do trainee forensic ballistics expert jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee forensic ballistics expert in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trainee forensic ballistics expert do?

A Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert assists in analyzing firearms, ammunition, and related evidence to help solve crimes. They learn how to examine bullets, cartridge cases, and gunshot residues to determine the type of weapon used and whether a particular firearm was involved in a crime. Trainees work under the supervision of experienced experts, often participating in laboratory testing, crime scene investigations, and the preparation of reports for legal proceedings. Their training also includes learning about chain of custody procedures, evidence handling, and courtroom testimony.

What types of cases and evidence does a trainee forensic ballistics expert typically work on, and how is their work supervised?

As a Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert, you will primarily assist on cases involving firearms, ammunition, and gunshot residue, often analyzing bullets, cartridge cases, and trajectories to help law enforcement reconstruct shooting incidents. Your daily tasks will include using specialized equipment under the guidance of experienced experts, documenting findings, and preparing preliminary reports. Trainees work closely with supervisors and senior analysts, receiving hands-on training and feedback to ensure accuracy and adherence to strict chain-of-custody procedures. This collaborative environment helps you build expertise while contributing meaningfully to ongoing investigations.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert, you need a background in forensic science or a related field, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, comparison microscopes, and ballistics databases such as IBIS is typically required, and relevant certifications may be advantageous. Critical thinking, precise communication, and the ability to work meticulously under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, reliable evidence handling, and effective collaboration with law enforcement, which are vital for supporting criminal investigations.

What is the difference between Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert vs Forensic Ballistics Expert?

AspectTrainee Forensic Ballistics ExpertForensic Ballistics Expert
CredentialsBasic forensic or criminal justice education, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, extensive experience in ballistics analysis
Work EnvironmentSupervised lab and field work, learning phaseIndependent case analysis, expert testimony
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labsForensic laboratories, legal proceedings

The Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert is in the learning stage, gaining foundational skills under supervision, while the Forensic Ballistics Expert is fully qualified, handling complex cases independently. The trainee role focuses on skill development, whereas the expert role involves case analysis and courtroom testimony.

More about Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs

What cities are hiring for Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs?

Cities with the most Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert job openings:

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

The most popular types of Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs are:

What states have the most Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs are:

Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Forensic Ballistics Expert job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Firearms Examiner

Ideal Innovations

Dulles, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Highlights:
  • Conduct complex firearms and toolmark examinations that directly support federal criminal investigations and the pursuit of justice.
  • As a Firearms Examiner, you will serve as a subject matter expert whose findings may be used in criminal prosecutions and court proceedings.
  • Work alongside experienced forensic professionals supporting the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) mission.
  • Work in a fully operational, accredited forensic laboratory utilizing industry-standard methodologies and advanced examination equipment.
  • Utilize specialized forensic equipment, including comparison microscopes, stereomicroscopes, forensic imaging systems, and ballistic identification databases.
  • Analyze a wide variety of evidence, including firearms, fired bullets, cartridge cases, toolmarks, gunshot-related evidence, and serial number restorations.
  • Contribute investigative leads through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
  • Gain exposure to multiple forensic disciplines and collaborate with laboratory personnel, investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners.
  • Develop expertise in firearms identification, toolmark examinations, serial number restoration, and related forensic disciplines.
  • Be part of a company that offers numerous forensic science opportunities, professional development, and career growth.

Typical Day:
A typical day may involve examining firearms and ballistic evidence, conducting microscopic comparisons of bullets and cartridge cases, restoring obliterated serial numbers, entering and reviewing evidence, preparing forensic reports, and documenting findings that may ultimately be presented as expert testimony. Every case presents unique challenges and opportunities to apply scientific analysis in support of public safety and the administration of justice.
Tasks:
  • Receive, inventory, document, and maintain chain-of-custody for firearms-related evidence.
  • Examine and analyze firearms, fired bullets, cartridge cases, toolmarks, and other physical evidence using validated forensic techniques.
  • Conduct microscopic comparative examinations to identify or eliminate firearms as the source of evidentiary items.
  • Test firearms for functionality, operability, and safety.
  • Perform serial number restoration examinations on firearms and other evidence.
  • Conduct firearms and toolmark identification examinations in accordance with laboratory policies, procedures, and accreditation standards.
  • Utilize forensic imaging systems and specialized laboratory equipment to document examinations and findings.
  • Enter and analyze ballistic evidence utilizing forensic databases.
  • Prepare detailed technical notes, examination documentation, and forensic laboratory reports.
  • Provide expert testimony regarding forensic examinations and conclusions when required.
  • Maintain compliance with quality assurance requirements, accreditation standards, and laboratory procedures.
  • Assist with casework management and efforts to reduce laboratory backlogs.

Required Qualifications:
  • At least one (1) year of laboratory experience as a firearms examiner
  • Ability to obtain and maintain the required USPIS security clearance.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully complete training, examinations, and competency assessments.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree; preferably in a scientific discipline with at least twenty-four (24) credit hours in the Physical Sciences
  • Experience conducting firearms and toolmark examinations.
  • Knowledge of firearms identification principles and microscopic comparison techniques.
  • Familiarity with serial number restoration methodologies and ballistic evidence examination.
  • Experience preparing forensic reports or providing courtroom testimony.
  • Knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards and quality assurance practices.

Shift Information:
  • Full-Time
  • Day Shift (normal working hours falling between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.)

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a USPIS security clearance required.
Location: Dulles, VA
Ideal Innovations, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.
Ideal Innovations, Inc. is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor
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.

Apply