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Combat Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance ...

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer Position Overview The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance ...

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Combat Systems information

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$46K

$102.1K

$153K

How much do combat systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat systems in the United States is $102,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a Combat Systems role?

In a Combat Systems role, your daily responsibilities often include monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced weapon and sensor systems to ensure operational readiness. You’ll collaborate closely with electronics technicians, engineers, and operational crews to perform system diagnostics, repairs, and routine preventative maintenance. Additionally, you may participate in simulation exercises, system upgrades, and technical briefings to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. This hands-on role often requires flexibility and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability in high-stakes environments.

What is a Combat Systems job?

A Combat Systems job involves operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced military weapon and defense systems. Personnel in this role work with radar, sonar, missile defense, and other integrated technologies to ensure combat readiness. Responsibilities may include testing equipment, coordinating with other military units, and ensuring system functionality in high-pressure environments. These roles are essential in both offensive and defensive military operations, requiring technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Combat Systems specialists may work aboard naval ships, in ground-based installations, or alongside combat units, depending on their branch and assignment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Combat Systems position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Combat Systems role, you need a strong understanding of electronics, computer systems, and mechanical engineering principles, often supported by relevant technical training or a degree in a STEM field. Experience with radar, sonar, weapons control systems, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or military-specific credentials are highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills in this environment. These attributes are crucial for ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of critical defense systems and for safeguarding mission success.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the field of combat systems, high-paying roles such as experienced technicians, project managers, or specialized contractors can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with relevant skills, certifications, and experience. These roles often require technical knowledge, security clearances, or hands-on expertise rather than a formal degree.

What are some combat jobs?

Combat jobs include roles such as infantryman, artilleryman, tank crew member, combat engineer, and special forces operator. These positions typically require physical fitness, specialized training, and security clearances, and often involve working in high-stress environments with advanced weaponry and tactical equipment.

How much do combat systems officers make?

Combat systems officers typically earn a salary ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and location. They often require specialized training and certifications, and may work in military or defense environments with shift schedules.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of combat systems, high-paying roles such as senior defense contractors, military program managers, or specialized engineers with extensive experience and security clearances can reach or exceed $500,000 annually. These positions often require advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes involve consulting or private sector defense contracting. Such salaries are typically achieved through a combination of base pay, bonuses, and profit-sharing arrangements.
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What cities are hiring for Combat Systems jobs? Cities with the most Combat Systems job openings:
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Infographic showing various Combat Systems job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,067 per year, or $49.1 per hour.
Combat Systems Test Engineer

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Leidos

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 449 rated business services


Job description

About Leidos Gibbs & Cox
Leidos Gibbs & Cox is the largest independent naval architecture and marine engineering firm in the United States. Since our founding in 1929, 24 classes of combatants and nearly 7,000 vessels have been built to Gibbs & Cox designs. We proudly support military and commercial clients in the U.S. and internationally through all phases of marine design, construction, and lifecycle management. Our passion is solving our customers' 21st century maritime challenges with quality and integrity.
Combat System Test & Trials Engineer
Position Overview
The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance trials for the Canadian Surface Combatant - Canada's first warship program in over 20 years.
Working at Irving Shipbuilding's engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational performance, safety, and compliance with NATO standards, classification society rules, and customer requirements.
This position offers hands-on involvement in land-based, dockside, and at-sea trials while partnering closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, naval authorities, shipyard personnel, and equipment suppliers.
Location: This role is onsite in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and candidates available to work onsite full time are preferred. A rotational schedule may also be considered for candidates open to a six-weeks-onsite/six-weeks-remote arrangement.
Key Responsibilities
Test Planning & Documentation
  • Develop and maintain Test & Trials Plans and strategies for ship systems and integrated platforms
  • Define test procedures aligned with NATO standards (e.g., STANAGs) and project requirements
  • Prepare Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and acceptance documentation

Execution of Trials
Lead and participate in:
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  • Land-Based Testing
  • Harbour Acceptance Tests (HATs)
  • Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs)
  • Builder's and Commissioning Trials

Additional responsibilities include:
  • Coordinating onboard testing activities across multiple systems, including combat systems, propulsion, navigation, and communications
  • Planning for and ensuring safe execution of trials in accordance with naval and regulatory requirements

Systems Integration & Verification
  • Verify system performance against specifications and operational requirements
  • Support integration of:
    • Combat Management Systems (CMS)
    • Radar, sonar, and weapon systems
    • Platform systems, including power, propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems
  • Identify deficiencies and support resolution efforts with engineering teams

Data Collection & Analysis
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret test data
  • Produce detailed test reports, including findings, anomalies, and recommendations
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions

Stakeholder Coordination
Collaborate with:
  • Shipyard teams
  • OEMs and subcontractors
  • Naval customer representatives
  • Classification societies

Additional responsibilities include:
  • Supporting customer demonstrations and acceptance processes

Compliance & Standards
Ensure compliance with:
  • NATO standards (STANAGs)
  • Naval regulations and safety requirements
  • Classification rules (e.g., Lloyd's Register, DNV, ABS)

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 10+ years of experience in:
    • Naval shipbuilding, marine systems, or defense programs
    • Installation, testing, commissioning, or trials of complex systems
  • Experience with surface combatants or military vessels
  • Knowledge of naval systems, including:
    • Propulsion and power generation
    • Combat and sensor systems
    • Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS)
  • Familiarity with NATO standards and defense procurement processes
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering and integration principles
  • Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition tools
  • Familiarity with IBM DOORS
  • Comfortable working in office, shipyard, and onboard naval vessel environments, including confined spaces, heights, and varying weather conditions
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with NATO naval programs or allied fleets
  • Certification in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE)
  • Sea-going experience or naval background
  • Familiarity with risk management and safety case development

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 13, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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