our history
Susquehanna Labs was founded in 2026 with a clear Mission: to provide trusted Testing for Trusted Products
Susquehanna Labs was founded in 2026 by Steve McDowell and Mike Hinder. The founding partners have a combined 20+ years of experience in both conducting independent testing and leading & growing independent test laboratories.
Today, Susquehanna Labs is focused on providing full-service testing capabilities for Ballistic Armor, Firearms, and Weapons Manufacturers. Future plans and goals include expanding capabilities to serve other industries which rely on and require trusted products.
Susquehanna Labs offers access to a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art facilities to include: One (1) Indoor Ballistic Range (Temperature & Humidity Controlled), Two (2) Outdoor Ranges (25-yards, 300-yards), One (1) Stab Tower, Indoor 50-ft. Drop Tower, and various other Environmental and Mechanical Labs.
We are excited to be a part of the local Harford County small business community, and look forward to helping support and strengthen our community, industry, and partners.
Meet the Team
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Steve McDowell
Co-Founder
Steve brings over a decade of ballistic testing experience, beginning his career in 2011 as a range technician and advancing through roles including range supervisor, range manager, and Operations Manager. At Element- Belcamp, he oversaw a wide range of ballistic lab operations—from material preparation and daily testing activities to ensuring compliance with governing bodies. He contributed to major ballistic accreditations such as HOSDB, A2LA, NVLAP, and others.
Steve has been married for over 20 years and has 3 boys from college age to elementary school. He has a passion for coaching sports and being involved in his local church.
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Mike Hinder
Co-Founder
Mike is a graduate from Villanova University and holds both a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA with concentrations in Finance & Real Estate. Throughout his career, Mike’s focus has been on supporting highly regulated industries (defense & medical) through consulting and leadership roles. Mike has spent over 10-years working in the ballistic testing community for Element – Belcamp, most recently leading the facility as their General Manager.
Outside of work Mike cherishes spending time with his wife and two young children. He also loves to get a round of golf in.
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Jared McDowell
Ballistics - Subject Matter Expert
With almost 20 years of ballistics experience, Jared has built his career on leadership, precision, and integrity. He worked his way up from Range Technician to Range Supervisor and ultimately Range Manager, spending 6 years in the ranges and 13 years overseeing daily operations and staff management.
Throughout his career, Jared has been committed to operational excellence, customer service, and maintaining the highest standards in the industry.
Jared has been married for 16 years and is the proud father of four children ranging from elementary to high school age. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his daughters’ basketball / softball teams and spending time with his family.
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Ramon Chavez
Ballistics - Subject Matter Expert
Ramon brings over 13 years of experience in ballistic testing and laboratory operations. Beginning his career as a Ballistic Technician, he advanced through leadership roles including Supervisor and Range Lead, overseeing daily testing activities, personnel management, and compliance with industry and government standards. Throughout his career, Ramon has conducted and managed testing for numerous ballistic standards, including NIJ, FBI, and DEA evaluations, while leading teams and ensuring the highest levels of quality, safety, and operational excellence. His extensive experience spans laboratory operations, accreditation support, test development, and project execution within highly regulated environments.
Outside of work, Ramon enjoys coaching, fishing, and staying active. He values spending time outdoors and helping others achieve their goals both on and off the field.