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Transition Engineer at Bowhead / UIC Technical Services

Bowhead / UIC Technical Services Crane, IN

Job Description

Overview Transition Engineer (Small Arms 9): Bowhead seeks an Transition Engineer to join our team in Crane, IN at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane) in the Small Arms Weapon Systems Division. The Transiton Engineer supports ASD SO/LIC IWTSD Rapid RDT&E advanced capability weapons and ammuniton projects requested. The Transiton Engineer will facilitate the collaboration between IWTSD, USSOCOM, U.S. Armed Services Branches, and foreign partners to leverage resources and reduce cost and schedule of programs. Responsibilities Essential functions will include: Responsible for all aspects of the program acquisition; including developing requirements, drafting acquisition plans, providing engineering oversight, coordinating logistics and outlining life cycle support. Expedite performance verification, safety release processes for select IWTSD Rapid RDT&E advanced capability projects. Review test plans and precedures, reviewing agreements with vendors to ensure proper technical rigor. Assist in proactive scheduling of required performance verification testing and safety testing. Participate in directed progress reviews and status briefings to assist USSOCOM with planning for additonal efforts that may have benefits to current or future PM Lethality Program of Record portfolio. Validate that specified testing is conducted with approved procedures on calibrated equipment. Record and archive test plans and reports; identify, recommend efficiencies in RDT&E execution and testing that can be used in qcquisition to reduce time and cost. Maintains awareness and familiarity of all assisgned programs/systems. Completes other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required, Advanced degree preferred with more than twenty (20) years of professional experience. Must understand the difference between Service and SOF missions and roles. Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up 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 currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Typical mid-level pay: $107k for Database and Network Administrators and Architects nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$107k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$64k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $172k

Senior roles pay 71% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Slight candidate advantage

Many alternative paths available. Don't feel locked into any single offer.

Hiring leverage
Balanced
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
Good mobility

Where to negotiate

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

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

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

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

+2%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024