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Contract Weapons Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Naval Systems Security Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$145K/yr

Integrating hardware and software protections into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Zel Technologies

SR Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

* This position is contingent upon contract award. * * This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech ... The position requires deep experience with DoD systems, weapon and launcher systems, and systems ...

Zel Technologies

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

* This position is contingent upon contract award. * * This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech ... Perform electrical engineering analysis, design, and integration for weapon, missile, launcher, and ...

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Contract Weapons Engineer information

What is a contract weapons engineer?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract weapons engineer?

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 the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Contract Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Weapons Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Weapons Engineer job openings:
Contract Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Weapons Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Naval Systems Security Engineer

Amentum

Dahlgren, VA

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Amentum is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Naval Systems Security Engineer with a background in Navy surface major weapon, combat, and/or fire control systems to assist our customer with systems, technical, and security engineering methodologies and services.
Naval Systems Security Engineer Responsibilities Includes:
  • Providing expertise with the development, integration, and management of complex Naval surface weapons/combat defense systems.
  • Providing system design/system integration documents for weapons control systems and surface combat, control and/or situational awareness systems.
  • Designing and implementing systems security engineering measures and techniques that prevent or delay unauthorized access to critical technologies.
  • Integrating hardware and software protections into major weapons, combat, and/or fire control systems to deter exploitation.
  • Developing Program Protection Plans (PPP) and other security related documentation.
  • Performing requirements derivation, allocation, and management for a weapon control system and external interfaces.
  • Coordinating the impacts of proposed system changes with internal and external organizations, and system stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements:
  • A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline, or four (4) years of a demonstrated knowledge base and subject matter expertise relevant to specific technical disciplines of the SOW, including the qualifications below; or U.S. Naval operational experience at the E-7 level or higher.
  • In addition, six (6) years of engineering experience with a Department of War (DoW) major weapon, combat, and/or fire control systems program. Experience in concept definition, Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) compliant architecture development, requirements definition, and initial and detailed system design activities.
  • Systems engineering experience focused on requirements development and management of software systems. This includes experience related to the identification, analysis, and documentation of complex systems involving DoW weapon, combat, and/or fire control systems.
  • Two (2) years of concurrent experience with U.S. Navy surface or submarine shipboard weapons, combat, and/or fire control systems to include current U.S. Navy programs.
  • Six (6) years of full-time professional experience in systems engineering. Two of these years must have been full-time experience at the system level in any of the following areas: requirements definition, system design parameters, concepts operation, risk assessment, producibility studies/analyses, performance analyses, test and evaluation, post-delivery support.
  • Must have an Active SECRET U.S. Government Clearance. Note: U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain a SECRET Clearance.

Preferred Experience:
  • Systems security engineering (SSE) measures and techniques experience.
  • DoDI 5000.02, DoDI 5000.83, DoDI 5200.39, DoDI 5200.44, and DoDI 5200.47E experience.

Compensation Details:
US: $125,000 - $145,000
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
06/19/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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