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Director Weapons Systems Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Weapon System Analyst

Huntsville, AL

Develop a deep understanding of the Weapons System including its requirements and operations * Define metrics and analyze data to assess system performance * Provide direct support to the Warfighter ...

KBR, Inc.

Weapon System Analyst

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Develop a deep understanding of the Weapons System including its requirements and operations * Define metrics and analyze data to assess system performance * Provide direct support to the Warfighter ...

Starfish

Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... PAE Fires)/Directed Energy Special Projects Office at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. This ... Support DoD acquisition programs, Army modernization efforts, and major weapon system development ...

Starfish

Military Systems Analyst

Huntsville, AL

... PAE Fires)/Directed Energy Special Projects Office at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. This ... Support DoW acquisition programs, Army modernization efforts, and major weapon system development ...

i3

Senior Systems Security Engineer (SSE)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Direct the identification, assessment, and mitigation of vulnerabilities in Critical Program Information (CPI) and mission-critical functions. * Support the decomposition of complex weapon systems ...

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All JobsWeapons Systems JobsDirector Weapons Systems JobsDirector Weapons Systems Jobs in Decatur, AL

Director Weapons Systems information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$45K

$116.2K

$173K

How much do director weapons systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director weapons systems in Decatur, AL is $116,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $128,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director 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.

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 are some common challenges faced by a director 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 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 job categories do people searching Director Weapons Systems jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Weapons Systems jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Director Weapons Systems jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Director Weapons Systems job openings:

Director Weapons Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Weapons Systems job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,202 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Weapon Systems Program Director

Kratos Defense

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kratos is a leading technology, products, systems, and software company addressing critical national security missions. We deliver innovative, affordable, and highly reliable solutions to support the warfighter and meet emerging requirements across the defense landscape. Within the Weapons Systems portfolio, we design, develop, and deliver advanced weapon technologies that support both current and future operational needs.

We are seeking a Program Management Director to provide leadership, customer engagement, and oversight across a portfolio of weapon system programs. This role is accountable for program execution of key strategic efforts, direct customer communication, coordination, and contract negotiations; and building and leading a high?performing team of program support personnel. The Program Management Director serves as a senior advisor and operational partner to the Vice President of Weapons Systems, ensuring alignment between program execution, customer priorities, and company strategy.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in defense program management, exceptional communication skills, proven leadership of cross?functional and geographically dispersed teams, and strong financial and business acumen.

Essential Responsibilities:
• Lead a portfolio of complex weapon system programs, including development, integration, test, and production activities
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer communication, coordination, and negotiations across multiple DoD and industry stakeholders
• Develop and manage comprehensive program plans, including schedules, milestones, contract WBS, resource allocations, and execution strategies
• Oversee program performance across cost, schedule, technical readiness, risk, and customer satisfaction
• Build, lead, mentor, and scale a program management team responsible for key weapon system efforts
• Conduct strategic and technical reviews with customers, senior leadership, and internal stakeholders
• Drive cross?functional alignment across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and business development
• Participate in proposal development, cost estimating, and contract modification negotiations
• Provide strategic insights to the Vice President of Weapons Systems on customer engagement, technology roadmaps, and competitive positioning
• Identify and manage program risks and opportunities across platforms, technologies, suppliers, and manufacturing sites
• Exercise sound judgment, foster collaboration, and maintain a high level of team motivation and accountability
• Support long?term customer relationships and help shape future program opportunities within the weapon systems domain


Required Qualifications:
• BS/BA degree in engineering, science, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum 12 years of experience in aerospace or defense program management, including at least 7 years leading complex programs
• Demonstrated leadership of geographically dispersed and cross?functional teams
• Experience developing, managing, and analyzing budgets for complex defense programs
• Experience participating in contract negotiations and customer engagement at senior levels
• Strong analytical skills and full understanding of program management processes and financial metrics
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must hold an active DoD Secret Clearance (or the ability to obtain one)

Desired Qualifications:
• Direct program management experience on a large (>$100M), complex defense program with full responsibility for financial performance
• Experience managing missile, launch vehicle, or other weapon system programs
• Experience overseeing integration, test, or production activities within a weapons systems environment
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent
• Experience partnering with government program offices, PEOs, or Service acquisition organizations


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