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Contract Weapons Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The PMX-311 Program Office is comprised of the US Navy Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), Directed ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$98 - $140/hr

The PMX-311 Program Office is comprised of the US Navy Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), Directed ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Senior Naval System Security Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

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

Senior Naval System Security Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

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

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

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Our team supports the design of state-of-the-art directed energy weapons systems to enhance ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Contract Weapons Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Systems Engineer

Pae

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

This position is contingent upon the identification of a candidate whose expertise meets our strategic needs, at which point a dedicated, funded opening will be established. We are proactively seeking a standout professional for whom we will finalize a formal role.

Amentum is seeking a mid-level systems engineer to provide dedicated engineering support to the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Munitions PMX-311 Terminal Defense systems (TDS), previously Program Executive Office (PEO) Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS) 11, development and engineering group in Arlington, Virginia. The PMX-311 Program Office is comprised of the US Navy Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), Directed Energy, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), Gun Weapon Systems (GWS), and the international cooperative Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) program with Germany. We are looking for a qualified individual to provide day-to-day support to the PMX-311 engineering team in the planning, execution and management of development, integration, test, and qualification of the RAM and CIWS weapon systems.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Provide systems engineering support for design, development, production, and in-service activities including system analysis, combat system integration, modeling and simulation, and participation in requirements development and maintenance

  • Provide technical inputs in Safety and Electromagnetic Environment Effects (E3) areas including reviewing and analyzing plans, schedules, tests, test results, and data packages

  • Provide Cross-Functional Support to PMX-311 Production, In-service Contracting and Financial groups with engineering inputs for cross-functional planning, execution and product deliveries to meet program objectives

  • Provide project management support producing schedules, tracking critical metrics and milestones and verifying requirements

  • Support management of PMX-311 engineering tasks with the engineering design agents and field activities through the development of statements of work, deliverables and funding requirements

  • Draft responses to PMX-311 internal and external Requests for Information (RFIs) coordinating inputs from the programs technical community as required

  • Prepare briefing materials and participate in working groups, Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) and program reviews

  • Management, tailoring and support of Systems Engineering Technical Reviews (SETRs) through implementation of the processes defined in the Navy Technical Review Manual (TRM)

  • Assist in digital transformation efforts by defining development requirements that implement Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) into engineering development efforts

  • Support management of agile development of system software

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline

  • 4-10 years engineering experience with DoD/DoW weapons programs

  • Familiarity and utilization of the latest Navy Technical Review Manual (TRM) for US Navy weapon programs

  • Proficient in MS Suite and good communication, organizational skills and the ability to perform detail-oriented work

  • The ability to obtain an active DoD Secret U.S. Government Clearance. Note: U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret clearance

  • Ability to travel <10%

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience with engineering and development on Navy Missile or Weapon System program(s)

  • Prior experience utilizing Secure Internet Protocol Network Protocol Network (SIPRNet)

  • Prior experience utilizing the Navy Enterprise Planning System (NEPS) or similar tool for planning of scope, milestones, deliverables and financial requirements

  • An Active Secret U.S. Government Clearance

  • Master's degree in science, technology, engineering, or math discipline

  • Management of engineering projects implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) Principles

  • Experience with MBSE Tools and Frameworks (e.g. Cameo, DoDAF, etc.)

Compensation Details:

$97,500 - $140,000

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:

08/25/2026 - 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 atLabor Laws Posters.