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Director Weapons Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Weapons Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

The Weapons/Munitions Systems Engineer provides technical support for Department of War programs ... Direct experience supporting DOW programs * Familiarity with weapons certification, airworthiness ...

Shield AI

Program Director, Weapons (R5206)

Washington, DC · On-site

$210K - $310K/yr

The Program Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of weapon system programs, driving alignment between technical execution, customer requirements, financial ...

ASEC

Senior Systems Engineer - Weapons

Patuxent River, MD · Hybrid

$170K - $185K/yr

As the Senior Systems Engineer -Weapons, you will serve as a lead technical authority by providing ... Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently. * Analytical thinker ...

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How much do director weapons systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director weapons systems in the United States is $123,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Weapons Systems vs Weapons Systems Engineer?

AspectDirector Weapons SystemsWeapons Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, specialized technical skills
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, project oversight, strategic planningDesign, development, testing of weapon systems
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contractors, military organizationsDefense contractors, aerospace firms

The Director Weapons Systems focuses on overseeing projects, managing teams, and strategic decision-making, while the Weapons Systems Engineer is primarily involved in technical design, development, and testing of weapon systems. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to defense industry operations, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Weapons Systems when managing cross-functional teams?

A Director of Weapons Systems often oversees multidisciplinary teams including engineers, project managers, procurement specialists, and compliance officers. Coordinating efforts across these groups can be challenging due to differing priorities, technical languages, and regulatory requirements. Effective communication, strong leadership, and a solid understanding of both technical and programmatic aspects are essential to align goals, resolve conflicts, and ensure that projects stay on schedule and within budget. Building mutual respect and fostering collaboration are key to overcoming these challenges in a high-stakes, security-sensitive environment.

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

To thrive as a Director Weapons Systems, you need deep expertise in defense technology, systems engineering, and project management, usually supported by an advanced degree in engineering or a related field and significant defense sector experience. Familiarity with military standards, weapon system platforms, and tools like CAD software, as well as security clearances, are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for managing multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the effective development, integration, and deployment of complex weapon systems critical to defense objectives.

What does a Director of Weapons Systems do?

A Director of Weapons Systems is responsible for overseeing the development, integration, and management of weapon systems within an organization, typically in defense or military sectors. This role involves coordinating teams of engineers, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and managing projects from concept through deployment. Directors also liaise with government agencies, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure that weapons systems meet operational requirements and budgetary constraints. Their leadership is critical in advancing technological capabilities while maintaining strict security protocols.
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Director Weapons Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Weapons Systems job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,955 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Program Director, Weapons (r5206)

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard

Washington, DC • On-site

$210K - $310K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Program Director, Weapons (r5206) Lead the development and fielding of next-generation weapon systems across multi-disciplinary teams

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Compensation: $210,000 - 310,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Product

About The Role Program Director

Shield AI is seeking an exceptional Program Director to lead the development, production, integration, and operational deployment of next‑generation weapon systems. This role serves as the senior program leader responsible for delivering complex defense programs from concept development through fielding, ensuring successful execution across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, test, customer engagement, and business growth activities.

The Program Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of weapon system programs, driving alignment between technical execution, customer requirements, financial performance, and long‑term business objectives. This role requires close coordination with distributed teams across engineering, manufacturing, operations, and government stakeholders to deliver mission‑ready capabilities at scale.

The ideal candidate combines deep program leadership experience with a strong understanding of defense acquisition, weapons development, production operations, and customer engagement. You will be responsible for driving schedule, cost, technical performance, production readiness, operational outcomes, and customer satisfaction while helping shape the future of autonomous and intelligent defense systems.

What you’ll do:

Lead Weapons Programs

Serve as the senior program leader responsible for the successful execution of weapon system development, production, integration, test, and deployment programs from concept through operational fielding.

Drive Cross‑Functional Execution

Lead and coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, operations, flight test, business development, and customer organizations to ensure program objectives are achieved.

Establish Strategic Program Objectives

Partner with executive leadership, customers, engineering leaders, product management, and operations teams to define program objectives aligned to mission outcomes, customer success, strategic growth, financial performance, and technical excellence.

Program & Portfolio Management

Own development and execution of integrated program plans, including scope, schedules, milestones, budgets, resource allocation, staffing plans, risk management, and customer deliverables. Continuously balance customer priorities, technical risks, production constraints, and business objectives across multiple programs.

Customer & Stakeholder Leadership

Serve as the primary interface for customers, government stakeholders, and strategic partners. Build trusted relationships, manage expectations, communicate program status, and ensure successful execution of contractual commitments.

Production & Deployment Readiness

Lead readiness activities supporting manufacturing, qualification, integration, test, and operational deployment. Drive closure of technical, operational, and production dependencies required to achieve delivery commitments and fielding objectives.

Drive Program Performance

Identify critical path risks, execution bottlenecks, resource conflicts, and cost pressures. Develop and execute mitigation strategies to maintain program performance across schedule, budget, quality, and technical objectives.

Lead program reviews, executive reviews, customer reviews, Gate Reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) reviews, and Estimates at Completion (EACs).

Enable High‑Quality Decision Making

Facilitate timely and effective technical, operational, and business decisions across cross‑functional teams. Apply sufficient technical understanding to identify risks, challenge assumptions, evaluate tradeoffs, and drive alignment toward program success.

Communicate with Excellence

Establish a disciplined operating rhythm that provides visibility into program status, financial performance, risks, customer commitments, production readiness, and strategic priorities. Ensure stakeholders remain informed and aligned at all levels of the organization.

Drive Operational Excellence

Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve execution efficiency, scalability, quality, and predictability across development, production, and deployment activities.

Deliver Business Outcomes

Own program financial performance, resource planning, revenue forecasts, margin objectives, contract execution, and customer deliverables. Ensure programs meet operational and financial targets while maintaining high standards of technical excellence.

Support Growth & Strategic Initiatives

Support capture efforts, proposals, Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), strategic partnerships, customer engagements, and business development activities that expand Shield AI’s weapons portfolio and market position.

Required qualifications:

  • Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years and a Master’s degree; or equivalent experience.
  • Experience leading complex defense, aerospace, weapons, or advanced technology programs from development through production and operational deployment.
  • Demonstrated success managing large cross‑functional teams and delivering programs across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance objectives.
  • Strong understanding of defense acquisition, systems development, manufacturing, test, and operational fielding.
  • Experience managing program financials, contract execution, resource planning, and customer relationships.
  • Experience leading Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) reviews, executive reviews, and Estimates at Completion (EACs).
  • Exceptional communication, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities with the ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments.
  • Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to drive execution through influence and leadership.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience leading weapon system, missile, loitering munition, UAS, or autonomous system programs.
  • Experience supporting programs for DoD, SOCOM, service laboratories, or defense prime contractors.
  • Experience transitioning programs from development into production and sustainment.
  • Familiarity with defense contracting, FAR/DFARS requirements, acquisition processes, and government program execution.
  • PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials.
  • Experience managing classified programs and customer engagements.
  • Experience balancing aggressive schedules, technical innovation, and production scalability.
  • Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance.

$210,000 - $310,000 a year

Full‑time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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