Ballistic Test Engineer

About UDC

Ultra Defense Corp (UDC) is a privately held defense company headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with domestic manufacturing facilities and operations supporting American national security interests worldwide.

For more than 15 years, UDC has built a stable and mature organization and is now entering a significant period of expansion. With a growing portfolio aligned with U.S. defense priorities, advanced technology, and domestic manufacturing, UDC offers the opportunity to work in an entrepreneurial environment backed by organizational stability and competitive benefits.

The Opportunity

The Ballistic Test Engineer develops, executes, and improves test methods and protocols for ammunition and munitions products. The role is responsible for safe and compliant ballistic testing, test equipment setup and optimization, analysis of test results, and technical support for product development and qualification. Working across Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and external design authorities, the position helps ensure product performance, safety, and compliance with applicable requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement test plans and protocols for multiple types and calibers of ammunition using energetic materials, including smokeless propellant and primers.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures, and supporting documentation required to test energetic and non-energetic items.
• Set up, optimize, maintain, and troubleshoot ballistic test equipment, including Universal Receivers, ballistic computing systems, dispersion/accuracy test setups, acoustic target systems, function/casualty fixtures, and related firearms.
• Analyze ballistic test data and use internal/external ballistics modeling tools to evaluate performance and support technical conclusions.
• Develop process hazard analyses and testing safety procedures in accordance with BATFE, OSHA, and applicable DoD energetic safety/security standards; participate in OSHA, DCMA, DCSA, and ISO audits.
• Plan and lead destructive testing and exploratory test efforts for new munitions, devices, and systems to support product quality, safety, and development objectives.
• Coordinate with internal and external design authorities and other subject-matter experts to identify test requirements, source equipment, and support new munitions designs.
• Support Program Management and Quality Assurance with technical reporting, Design Verification Tests, First Article Acceptance Tests, and Lot Acceptance Tests.

What You Bring

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in ballistic testing, test engineering, munitions engineering, or a similar position.

• Strong test-development, data-analysis, and technical problem-solving capabilities.

• Experience developing technical test procedures and documentation.

• Ability to interpret test results and communicate technical findings across multidisciplinary teams.

Highly Desired Experience

• Ammunition or munitions ballistic testing.

• Multiple ammunition types and calibers.

• Universal Receivers and ballistic computing systems.

• Dispersion and accuracy testing.

• Acoustic target systems.

• Internal and external ballistics modeling.

• Destructive testing.

• BATFE and OSHA requirements.

• DoD 4145 energetic safety and DoD 5100 security standards.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with disciplined test execution, attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, and a strong commitment to safety.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

Ballistic Test Engineering | Data Analysis | Test Development | Technical Problem Solving | Attention to Detail | Safety & Risk Management | Technical Communication | Continuous Improvement

Location & Travel

This position is based in Kingsville, MO and will operate across office, production, laboratory, and field/test environments. Occasional travel may be required.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screening.

• Must be able to pass a BATFE background investigation and obtain Employee Possessor eligibility.

• Must comply with applicable CUI, ITAR/EAR, CMMC, cybersecurity, safety, and confidentiality requirements.

• Must be able to safely work around ammunition, energetic materials, firearms/test fixtures, ballistic-test equipment, and specialized PPE.

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Why UDC?

This is an opportunity to build and strengthen ballistic-test capability that directly supports product development, verification, qualification, acceptance, and customer requirements. You will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Operations, and external technical authorities on products supporting critical defense applications.

What UDC Offers

• Competitive Compensation Package

• Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life & AD&D

• 401(k) & Company Match

• Company Paid Holidays

• Generous Vacation Policy

• Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ultra Defense Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.