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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

Director, Weapons Capture

Dallas, TX

$142K - $213K/yr

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Fuel Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate fuel systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. You'll help develop innovative fuel storage, transfer ...

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 ...

Shield AI

Director, Weapons Capture

Dallas, TX

$142K - $213K/yr

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Fuel Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate fuel systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. You'll help develop innovative fuel storage, transfer ...

ASEC

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

Manage A/A weapon engineering activities, including modeling and simulation, Systems Engineering ... Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently. * Analytical thinker ...

ASEC, Inc.

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Manage A/A weapon engineering activities, including modeling and simulation, Systems Engineering ... Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently. * Analytical thinker ...

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Director Weapons Systems information

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How much do director weapons systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 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, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,955 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Weapons Systems Engineer

Berriehill Research

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Southwest Division (SWD) is looking for an experienced Weapons Systems Engineer to join our Concept Development Group (CDG), located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  CDG boasts a multidisciplinary team of engineers performing research, development, and analysis and test for developmental weapon programs. The Weapons/Munitions Systems Engineer provides technical support for Department of War programs, ensuring weapons and munitions systems are effectively designed, integrated, tested, and fielded. This role works closely with program managers and prime contractors to evaluate technical solutions, manage risk, and support milestone decisions. The position blends inoffice program execution with travel to support test and integration activities. An ideal candidate is a technically strong, mission-focused engineer who can translate complex weapons system details into clear, actionable guidance for program leadership while collaborating effectively across government and industry teams.

What you’ll do as a Weapons Systems Engineer

  • Provide subject matter expertise in weapons and munitions Systems Engineering to support a team, working day-to-day with Program Managers, Lead Engineers, and functional leads.
  • Support requirements development, trade studies, system architecture, and interface definition for weapons and munitions across the system life cycle (development, integration, test, fielding, and sustainment).
  • Review and assess contractor technical data, designs, analyses, and test plans to ensure compliance with system requirements, safety standards, and government intent.
  • Engage with prime contractors and government stakeholders during technical interchange meetings, design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), and working groups to resolve technical issues and risks.
  • Support weapons and munitions integration activities, including platform interfaces, stores compatibility, employment concepts, and certification considerations.
  • Participate in developmental and operational test planning and execution, including travel to test sites, range activities, and posttest analysis and reporting.
  • Identify technical risks, assess impacts to cost/schedule/performance, and provide actionable recommendations to the government team to inform program decisions.

Weapons System Engineer Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
  • 7-9 Years Experience supporting DoD or Army or Air Force weapons, munitions, or stores integration programs.
  • Working knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, requirements management, risk management, and technical reviews.
  • Ability to analyze contractor technical products and communicate findings clearly to government stakeholders.
  • Willingness and ability to travel in support of test and program activities.
  • Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
  • Ability to perform requirements identification, analysis, documentation, and tracking
  • Ability to analyze customer needs and turn them into system requirements
  • Ability to work with customers in a test environment
  • Ability to develop improved methods to increase program efficiency
  • Team player with a proactive attitude
  • Strong oral and written communications skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience supporting DOW programs
  • Familiarity with weapons certification, airworthiness, safety, and/or MIL-STD compliance processes.
  • Experience with developmental and operational test planning and execution.
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, life-cycle management, and risk management practices.
  • Previous experience working with major defense prime contractors on weapons or munitions programs.
  • Active Top-Secret clearance or experience working in SCI/SAP environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical tasks while effectively supporting Government-led teams in a collaborative role.
  • Ability to use statistical analysis methods and tools
  • Knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices

Company & Division Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees contributions not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.

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