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Aviation Ordnance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Lead III - Armament

Edwards, CA · On-site

$116K - $120K/yr

RANGE POSITION DESCRIPTION The incumbent should have a background in AF Weapons, AMMO, or USN/USMC Aviation Ordnance; previous experience in developmental/operational test environment is a plus.

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY FIGHTER PILOT Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds ... Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions--all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the ...

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Aviation Ordnance information

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How much do aviation ordnance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation ordnance in the United States is $26.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aviation Ordnance vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAviation OrdnanceAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsMilitary ordnance certifications, safety trainingFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, technical training
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, aircraft armories, munitions storageCommercial or military aircraft hangars, repair stations
Job FocusHandling, loading, and maintaining aircraft weapons and munitionsInspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft systems

While both roles involve working with aircraft, Aviation Ordnance specializes in munitions and weapon systems, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians focus on overall aircraft maintenance and repairs. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the aviation industry.

What Is Aviation Ordnance?

Aviation ordnance refers to the weapons, weaponry systems, and explosives that armed aircraft use. U.S. military branches, primarily the Navy, Marines, and Air Force, have specially trained aviation ordnanceman to handle, install, and maintain these systems. These positions are often someone who has enlisted in the armed forces, but some branches also hire civilians for this type of work. Civilians involved in this field may work for the military or a private company who is contracted with the armed forces to supply these kinds of weapons. Their job duties may include inspecting the weapons for problems and installing or repairing the systems as necessary. Aviation ordnance workers also ensure the safe transportation and storage of arms and the disposal of damaged or faulty weapons.

What are some common challenges faced by Aviation Ordnance personnel, and how can they be addressed?

Aviation Ordnance personnel often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where attention to detail and strict adherence to safety protocols are critical. Common challenges include managing the physical demands of handling heavy munitions and working in varying weather conditions on the flight line. Communication and teamwork are essential, as ordnance technicians must coordinate closely with maintenance crews and pilots to ensure weapons are loaded accurately and safely. Addressing these challenges involves continuous training, effective communication, and a strong commitment to safety practices.

What are Aviation Ordnance personnel?

Aviation Ordnance personnel are specialized members of the military, primarily in the Navy and Marine Corps, responsible for the handling, maintenance, assembly, and loading of all types of aircraft weapons and ammunition. Their duties include inspecting, repairing, and storing ordnance, as well as ensuring the safety and functionality of weapon systems on military aircraft. These professionals play a critical role in supporting air missions by making sure that all munitions are serviceable and safely managed.

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

To thrive as an Aviation Ordnanceman, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of weapons handling and safety, typically gained through military technical training. Familiarity with ordnance tracking systems, technical manuals, and specialized tools for loading and maintenance is essential. Teamwork, reliability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient handling of munitions, directly impacting mission readiness and crew safety.
What cities are hiring for Aviation Ordnance jobs? Cities with the most Aviation Ordnance job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Ordnance jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Ordnance jobs are:
What states have the most Aviation Ordnance jobs? States with the most job openings for Aviation Ordnance jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aviation Ordnance job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,634 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Aviation - Officer Careers (FL)

Aviation - Officer Careers (FL)

U.S. Navy

Pompano Beach, FL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

The U.S. Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world— second only to the U.S. Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky.

AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY

FIGHTER PILOT

Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions—all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II.

AIRCRAFT HANDLING OFFICER

Every performance needs a choreographer and on the deck of an aircraft carrier, that person is you. You’re in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence to aircraft recovery.

FIXED WING PILOT

In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you’re on patrol as the command control center in the sky. If you’re flying the P-3 Orion or the brand-new P-8 Poseidon, you hunt submarines using cutting edge software, radar, sonar, and acoustics.

HELICOPTER PILOT

As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy submarines in defense of your ship.

NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER

In this role, you’re the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you’re hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet .

AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER

You’re in charge of managing the repair and upkeep of our most lethal aviation assets—over eighty different types of aircraft. In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of organization and focus that few can say they’ve mastered.

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond professional credentials and certifications, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs, including:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree (Students may apply in last 12 months of pursuing degree)
  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

In the field of aviation, you’ll make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—airborne aircraft, hangars, flight decks, flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

Some of the above aviation jobs in the Navy Reserve are open only to prior or current military aviators. Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.


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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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