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Armament Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... Armament Systems in compliance with MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, and Universal Armament Interface ...

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... Armament Systems in compliance with MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, and Universal Armament Interface ...

Weapon Systems Engineer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Joint Program Office, Weapons Integration Product Team (WIPT) in the area of weapons stores integration, Aircraft Armament ...

Senior Acquisition Program Engineer -TEST

FL · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

The Senior Acquisition Program Engineer - Test will support the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Armament Directorate Disruptive Futures division (AFLCMC/EBZ). This position provides ...

... armament, commercial and military aircraft systems, mobile and ground-based defense systems, space systems, and other systems and applications of this nature. * Interfaces with customers, suppliers ...

... armament, commercial and military aircraft systems, mobile and ground-based defense systems, space systems, and other systems and applications of this nature. * Interfaces with customers, suppliers ...

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Showing results 1-20

Armament Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do armament engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for armament engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior armament engineers or defense industry engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and security clearances can earn salaries around $300,000 annually, especially in roles involving high-level project management, research, or leadership in defense contracting. Such positions often require specialized knowledge of weapon systems, engineering certifications, and working in high-security environments.

What are Armament Engineers?

Armament Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain weapons, ammunition, and related military systems. They work on a wide range of equipment, including firearms, explosives, missiles, and guidance systems, ensuring these technologies meet safety and performance standards. Armament Engineers often collaborate with defense organizations, research institutions, and armed forces to innovate and improve defense capabilities. Their roles may also involve conducting risk assessments, overseeing production, and developing new defense technologies while adhering to strict regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Armament Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Armament Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, physics, and a relevant engineering degree, often with security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, ballistics simulation tools, and industry standards like MIL-STD-810, as well as certifications in defense or weapon systems, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for managing complex projects and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and maintaining reliable and secure armament systems in high-stakes defense environments.

What are some typical challenges an Armament Engineer may encounter when working on defense projects?

Armament Engineers often face the challenge of balancing strict safety regulations with innovative design requirements. They must ensure that weapons systems are reliable and meet rigorous performance standards while adhering to tight deadlines and budgets. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as software developers and manufacturing specialists, is essential to integrate new technologies and solve technical issues. Additionally, staying updated with evolving defense technologies and compliance requirements is a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Armament Engineer vs Weapon Systems Engineer?

AspectArmament EngineerWeapon Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering; certifications varyBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering; certifications may include security clearances
Work EnvironmentDefense facilities, military bases, R&D labsDefense contractors, military agencies, R&D centers
Industry UsageDesign, testing, and maintenance of weapon systems and armamentsDevelopment and integration of weapon systems and related technologies

Armament Engineers focus on designing and testing weapon components and systems, often working directly with military hardware. Weapon Systems Engineers have a broader role in developing and integrating entire weapon platforms and systems. Both roles require technical expertise in engineering and often involve working in defense environments, but their scope and focus differ slightly.

More about Armament Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Armament Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At Northrop Grumman Defense Systems we are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support our Armament Business site located in Mesa, AZ.

Armament Systems is a leading supplier of integrated medium-caliber weapon systems for land, air and sea platforms through its world-renowned Bushmaster line of automatic cannons produced at its Mesa, Arizona facility.

Role Description:

This Manufacturing Engineering position is for an engineering role on medium caliber gun system programs within the Armament Systems Division. As part of the Systems Engineering group, the Manufacturing Engineer supports design, production, and supplier development activities.

Responsibilities

The Manufacturing Liaison Engineering position carries the following set of primary responsibilities:

  • Works with design, project, manufacturing and quality engineers through the product development process to ensure Design to Cost (DTC) and Design for Assembly/Manufacturing (DFA/DFM) targets are achieved
  • Provide guidance to design engineering regarding design concepts and product specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques
  • Understands and interprets engineering drawings and recommend design changes to increase product manufacturability and functionality
  • Prepares cost estimates and written technical proposals for product improvement initiatives
  • Reviews drawings , Engineering Change Orders, and work instructions for accuracy and completeness
  • Participates and/or leads disposition of non-conforming production parts
  • Acts as a technical interface to internal production personnel and to external suppliers
  • Develops technical relationships with internal production personnel and with external suppliers
  • Supports manufacturing trade studies and early supplier involvement
  • Shares knowledge with other engineers
  • Understands and interprets engineering drawings and recommend design changes to increase product manufacturability and functionality

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related STEM field of study
  • 8+ years or Master's plus 6+ yrs of relevant industry experience
  • Understanding of GD&T
  • Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, preferably NX
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Project, and Power Point.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with ability to focus on multiple projects and deliver status on risk areas and required actions
  • Hands-on assembly/fabrication and familiarity with mechanical/electrical processes, internal workflows, and supplier/customer management.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in achieving results through understanding and management of internal processes and customer/supplier relationships
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance
  • Position may require domestic and international travel, <25%
  • Must be able to obtain clearance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives as an Employee Possessor.
  • Candidates hired into this role need to complete a Gun Control Act Self Certification form.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Materials, heat treatment, and plating processes.
  • Military and commercial specifications
  • Demonstrated experience with manufacturing processes, such as machining, turning, and grinding.
  • Knowledge of IPC-620 and IPC J-STD-001 requirements
  • Mechanical design experience with complex gear trains, cams, springs, clutches, machined components, welded structures, electric motors and solenoids
  • Experience in product development projects and sustainment of legacy programs for complex aerospace or defense systems
  • General understanding of continuous improvement, Six Sigma and Lean methodologies in a low volume, high mix, engineer to order, manufacturing environment
  • Experience with shop routing paperwork in a low-level kitting and assembly/processing environment
  • Familiar with Material Review Boards (MRB) for product/quality deviation
  • Experience in Machine shop, Material process, and MIL-SPEC interpretation is highly desired
Primary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939