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Engineering Technician at Bowhead / UIC Technical Services

Bowhead / UIC Technical Services Crane, IN

Job Description

Overview ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (WXRP IR/RF 8): Bowhead is seeking an Engineering Technician to support the Infrared Radio Frequency (IR/RF) Division at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Crane, Indiana. The IR/RF Systems Technologies Division conducts research and development for pyrotechnic and countermeasure devices in support of the Navy, Air Force, Army and Joint Strike Fighter. The primary mission is to promote the self-protection of aircraft, vessels and vehicles and includes, but is not limited to, Infrared Technology, lasers and electronic warfare research and development.The Engineering Technician will be responsible for performing complex engineering assignments in a research and development environment. The Engineering Technician will utilize various production equipment including, but not limited to, injection mold machines, metal lathes and must be experienced with soldering and welding equipment. The Engineering Technician will provide mentoring and leadership to lower level Engineering Technicians in addition to duties outlined briefly below. Responsibilities Essential duties may include: Constructing components, subunits or models and adapting equipment to be used in support of the IR/RF division. Constructing and packaging devices according to specific layouts and diagrams provided. Conducting various tests on machines and parts as well as measuring, preparing, operating and recording test data. Assisting in design modification after failures and modifications are identified and addressed. Handling containerized ordnance and possible repacking of ordnance within those containers. Explosives handling support by transporting ordnance on station to production buildings, test ranges, and magazines. Assembly/Acceptance Testing/functional operations Electro-static Discharge (ESD) System specific training Additive manufacturing Handling of hazardous materials Forklifts and other handling equipment (hoists, cranes, etc.) CAT III NON-Cab Operated Crane MHE Certification Qualifications High School Diploma and one (1) to three (3) years of experience. Microsoft Office software suite Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts Must be able to obtain explosive certification Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen and must follow UIC's Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 15 to 25 pounds Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Secret level. Current Secret clearance holder are highly encouraged to apply. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Typical mid-level pay: $62k for Drafters, All Other nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$62k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$42k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $97k

Slight employer advantage

Standard dynamics. Preparation and demonstrated value matter most.

Hiring leverage
Balanced
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Limited
Durability
Mostly durable

Who this leverage applies to

Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.
Limited mobility: Few adjacent roles—switching employers is harder.

Focus on demonstrating unique fit and value.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

-7%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: Associate's degree

Consider building adjacent skills to stay marketable.

Labor data: BLS 2024