🔬 Job Opening: Ballistic Expert – Armor Systems & Impact Testing
Location: Charleston, SC (On-site Preferred / Hybrid Possible)
Company: Verus Defense LLC
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Verus Defense

Verus Defense LLC is a premier American defense manufacturer specializing in tactical vehicles, armored platforms, and critical infrastructure security. Our products support U.S. military, law enforcement, and allied partners around the world. As we expand our advanced ballistic division, we are seeking a Ballistic Expert to lead research, testing, and certification of our next-generation armor systems.

Position Summary

The Ballistic Expert will serve as the technical authority on all armor and projectile resistance materials, overseeing ballistic R&D, test planning, performance validation, and compliance with NIJ, MIL-STD, and NATO STANAG standards. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge in ballistic materials science, terminal ballistics, and live-fire range data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and oversee ballistic testing for body armor, helmets, ballistic glass, and vehicle armor systems

  • Interpret and apply NIJ 0101.06/.07, MIL-STD-662F, STANAG 4569, and other ballistic performance standards

  • Develop and test armor solutions using UHMWPE, ceramics, aramids, composites, and steel

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate ballistic protection into vehicles and wearable platforms

  • Manage testing with third-party NIJ and ISO-certified labs, including documentation and analysis of V50, V0, BFS, and spall resistance

  • Maintain accurate ballistic test logs, material specs, and compliance files

  • Research and evaluate new materials for enhanced multi-hit, weight-saving, and energy-dispersing characteristics

  • Train team members on ballistic testing protocol and ensure ITAR/export control compliance

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or related field

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with ballistic testing or protective armor development

  • Proficient with high-speed impact testing methodology, trauma backface analysis, and live fire setup

  • Experience with test documentation, compliance audits, and product certifications

  • Familiarity with 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .44 Magnum, and other standard ballistic threats

  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, mission-driven R&D environment

  • U.S. Citizenship required for ITAR compliance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in DOD defense projects or LE/MIL armor development

  • Background in modeling impact dynamics (ANSYS, LS-DYNA, or similar)

  • Previous work with ballistic gelatin, fragmentation testing, or shaped charge survivability

  • Existing relationships with accredited ballistic labs (NTS, Oregon Ballistic Lab, Chesapeake Testing, etc.)

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary of $84,000

  • Full benefits package

  • High-impact role in developing mission-critical defense platforms

  • Collaborative, innovative team culture

  • Access to cutting-edge ballistic and armor research projects

  • Secure and growth-oriented work environment