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Contract Weapons Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as ... Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility ...

Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as ... Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility ...

In addition, six (6) years of engineering experience with a DoD major weapon, combat, and/or fire ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

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Contract Weapons Engineer information

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$38K

$115.9K

$191.5K

How much do contract weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract weapons engineer in the United States is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Weapons Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Weapons Engineer, you typically need a degree in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering, along with experience in weapons systems design and development. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of defense industry regulations or relevant security clearances are usually required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, innovative, and compliant weapons systems that meet client and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Weapons Engineers in adapting to new projects and teams?

Contract Weapons Engineers often transition between different projects and organizations, which can present unique challenges such as quickly adapting to varying technical requirements and work cultures. They must efficiently learn new systems, comply with diverse safety and regulatory standards, and rapidly build relationships with multidisciplinary team members, including designers, project managers, and compliance officers. Success in this role requires strong adaptability, proactive communication, and a thorough understanding of both the client's expectations and industry best practices.

What are Contract Weapons Engineers?

Contract Weapons Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and test weapons systems, typically on a contractual basis for defense organizations, private defense contractors, or government agencies. Unlike full-time employees, they work on specific projects or for a set duration, providing technical expertise in areas such as ballistics, explosives, and system integration. Their responsibilities can include ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, troubleshooting existing systems, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver effective solutions. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, they often require security clearances and must adhere to strict confidentiality agreements.

What is the difference between Contract Weapons Engineer vs Contract Mechanical Engineer?

AspectContract Weapons EngineerContract Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, security clearances, specialized weapons certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government facilities, labsManufacturing plants, design firms, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, military contractorsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Contract Weapons Engineer primarily focuses on designing, testing, and maintaining weapon systems within defense and aerospace sectors, often requiring security clearances. In contrast, Contract Mechanical Engineers work on a broader range of mechanical systems across various industries. While both roles involve engineering expertise, the Contract Weapons Engineer specializes in defense-related projects with specific certifications and security requirements.

More about Contract Weapons Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Weapons Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Weapons Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Weapons Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Weapons Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Weapons Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Weapons Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Weapons Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Weapons - Engineer

Weapons - Engineer

JT4, LLC

Edwards, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.
JT4 will be hiring multiple candidates for this position with varying experience and skill levels. Salary ranges will be based on skill level and education.
JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility requirements for captive carriage and release/launch of Armament Systems in compliance with MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, and Universal Armament Interface (UAI protocols). This involves knowledge of electrical interface logic, logical, and logistical compatibility between US and foreign fighter/bomber/UAV aircraft, suspension and release equipment, and stores (including their embedded computer hardware and software systems). Aircraft integration activities, aircraft integration meetings, and aircraft Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) test activities to ensure an operator's perspective of aircraft integration and employment are successfully accomplished for weapon and carriage systems. Airworthiness certification activities, to include participation in testing, flight clearance, safe separation and jettison testing, development of test plans technical reports and data analysis packages evaluating system and subsystem interfaces. These interfaces include but are not limited to aircraft interfaces, ground subsystem interfaces, and interfaces associated with participant interoperability within the network (characteristics of which include radio frequency (RF), link margin, RF bandwidth and baseband modulation). Responsible for providing real-time support for flight test from a mission control room. Some knowledge in reading bit data, binary, hex, embedded systems, and bus data hierarchy and Python coding.
Ideal candidates will possess:
  • Desired aircraft weapons flight test experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance with eventual elevation to Top Secret
  • Advanced knowledge and recognized ability in the technical/professional field

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Mission Control Room experience for elevated risk weapons testing
  • Ground test experience
  • Test planning
  • Safety planning
  • Ability to work independently and within team setting
  • Strong communication
  • Ability to become a structures subject matter expert.

REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE
The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited academic institution and 4 years of related engineering experience or have an accredited Master of Science in Engineering with at least 2 years of related engineering experience or have an accredited doctoral degree in engineering. The candidate must have mastery of concepts, principles, and practices of engineering that enables the employee to serve as a technical authority on projects relating to the specific programs. The position requires sufficient knowledge and skill to apply the latest developments in engineering to solve problems in the specialty area along with excellent communication and analytical skills. The candidate must have a working knowledge of computer systems and computer-based engineering tools and possess planning/organizing skills. The position may require the ability to investigate, troubleshoot, and design solutions to problems in operational hardware and software.
The candidate must possess a valid, state-issued driver's license. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance up to top secret with special access. Must be a U.S. citizen.
SALARY
The expected salary range for this position is $110,000 to 185,000 annually.
Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4, LLC considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market/business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
    • Benefits Active on Day 1
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts/FSA's
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Plan Options with Employer Match
    • JT4 will match 50%, up to an 8% contribution
    • 100% Immediate Vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds), constant sitting with occasional use of computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required. Travel to remote company work locations may be required.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified.
Tasking is in support of a Federal Government Contract that requires U.S. citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license, or other licenses/certifications, and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license, or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment.
SCC: JENG17, A1412TW

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About JT4

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

JT4 provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. We develop and maintain realistic integrated test and training environments, and prepare our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Las Vegas, NV, US

Year founded

2001

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