Weapon Systems Test Specialist

The Weapon Systems Test Specialist provides hands-on technical support for the research, development, and testing of advanced weapon and propulsion systems at Redstone Arsenal. This role involves installing and operating instrumentation, supporting data acquisition and test execution, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, fabricating custom test hardware, assisting with test planning and data reduction, and contributing to safe, efficient test operations. The ideal candidate is a practical problem-solver with experience in instrumentation, mechanical or electrical systems, and test environments involving propulsion, missile subsystems, or related technologies.

The Weapon Systems Test Specialist will support the U.S. Army Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) Technology Development Directorate (TDD) on Redstone Arsenal, AL neighboring Huntsville, AL.

The Weapon Systems Test Specialist will provide hands-on technical support for the research, development, and testing of advanced weapon and propulsion systems in support of Army and AvMC mission areas. This role contributes to the testing of solid, liquid, gel, hybrid, air-breathing, and electric propulsion systems, as well as additional missile subsystems and components as assigned.

The Specialist will install, operate, troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation and test equipment including—but not limited to—load cells, pressure transducers (strain-gage and piezoelectric), thermocouples, current sensors, fire control units, valve control units, control relays, solenoids, flow meters, high-speed digital cameras, audio systems, and signal conditioners. Responsibilities may include designing cooling system routing (e.g., LN₂), fabricating custom pressure fittings, repairing pressure/vacuum vessels, interpreting engineering drawings, and fabricating tools or test fixtures.

Duties include supporting test planning and execution by following schematic diagrams, engineering drawings, written instructions, and verbal guidance to install, assemble, test, and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems, subsystems, and components. Additional tasks may include hazardous materials transport, facility housekeeping, data acquisition system installation and operation, cable fabrication, breadboard assembly, instrumentation calibration, and pre-test/post-test setup and teardown.

The Specialist may assist with data evaluation, interpretation, and documentation for established, developmental, and novel missile systems. Responsibilities also include maintaining parts and inventory spreadsheets, ordering components and equipment, coordinating hazardous material handling and disposal, diagnosing root-cause issues, implementing corrective actions, repairing electrical/mechanical issues, and maintaining spares and supplies for ongoing and emerging test programs.

Education & Experience:

• BS/BA with 0–15 years of relevant experience, or
• AS with 2–15 years of relevant experience, or
• High school diploma with 5–15 years of relevant experience.

Technical Familiarity: Experience (professional or academic) with one or more of the following:

• load cells; pressure transducers; thermocouples; strain gages; current sensors; fire control units; valve control units; high-speed camera and audio recording systems; relays; solenoids; flow meters; calibration devices; signal conditioners.
• Security: Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Motivation & Aptitude: Desire to learn and expand skills in weapon systems testing, instrumentation, and analysis.
• Instruction Handling: Ability to interpret and execute both broad guidance and detailed technical instructions.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to flex hours within a pay period to support unique test schedules or mission timelines.
• Travel: Up to 10% travel may be required.
• Safety & Hazardous Materials: Must be able to work—with training, PPE, and proper procedures—around hazardous propellant, explosive, and energetic materials.
• Willingness to obtain required certifications to handle and/or transport explosives.
• May be required to obtain a CDL for transporting ammunition/explosives on Redstone Arsenal.
• Work Environment: Ability to work outdoors in rugged test environments.
• Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Equipment Operation: Must be willing to obtain forklift certification and operate material-handling equipment as needed.
• Ability to obtain additional licenses/certifications required for mission support.

• Hands-on experience with instrumentation and control devices.
• Experience with all or most of the following:
• load cells; pressure transducers; thermocouples; strain gages; current sensors; fire control units; valve control units; high-speed camera and audio recording systems; relays; solenoids; flow meters; calibration devices; signal conditioners.
• Experience with standard and high-speed video or audio acquisition systems.
• Experience handling, storing, or working with hazardous propellant/explosive/energetic materials.
• Experience designing or operating National Instruments LabVIEW data acquisition systems.
• Prior experience working in a Department of Defense test environment, especially in missile, propulsion, or RDT&E areas.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, stability, and long-term success. Our offerings include:

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Pre-tax savings programs, including Health FSA and Dependent Care FSA (DCRA)
• Tuition reimbursement for approved programs
• Annual bonus eligibility
• Annual merit increase eligibility
• Flexible scheduling options, including a 9/80 schedule (subject to mission requirements)
• Direct access to leadership in a supportive small-business environment
• A people-first culture emphasizing integrity, balance, and personal growth

Our goal is to equip our employees with the resources, respect, and support they need to thrive—professionally, personally, and spiritually.