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Director Weapons Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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How much do director weapons systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 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 profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the defense and aerospace sectors, a Director of Weapons Systems can earn $400,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced technical skills. Such roles often require a background in engineering, project management, and security clearances, and may involve overseeing complex military or defense technology programs.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions often have annual compensation exceeding $500,000, especially in large corporations. Certain specialized professions like top-tier surgeons, successful entrepreneurs, and highly experienced weapons systems directors in defense or aerospace industries can also reach or surpass this income level, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities.

What does a weapons director do?

A weapons director is responsible for overseeing the operation, deployment, and management of weapon systems, often in military or defense settings. They coordinate with pilots, engineers, and command units to ensure weapons are used effectively and safely, typically requiring knowledge of weapon systems, communication skills, and relevant certifications. Their role involves real-time decision-making and adherence to safety protocols.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

In high-level roles such as a Director of Weapons Systems, daily pay can reach $2,000 or more, especially for senior executives, specialized consultants, or contractors with extensive experience and security clearances. These positions often require advanced technical skills, leadership abilities, and sometimes work in defense or aerospace industries, with compensation reflecting the complexity and responsibility of the role.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,955 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Weapons System Engineer

Weapons System Engineer

ASEC

Patuxent River, MD • Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description

Location: NAS Patuxent River, MD

Security Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret with T5T5R adjudication

Telework Eligible? No


What You'll Do:


The Weapons System Engineer will support the development, integration, and lifecycle management of air-to-air (A/A) weapons systems supporting U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Counter Air / Counter Air Defense (CA/CAD) missions. This role provides engineering support across the full acquisition lifecycle-from requirements development through fielding and sustainment-while helping ensure legacy systems remain operational and future capabilities are successfully integrated across multiple platforms.


The position also supports risk assessment, system-of-systems integration planning, and weapons roadmap development while coordinating closely with program offices, test organizations, and operational stakeholders.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage A/A weapon engineering activities, including modeling and simulation, Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) processes, and associated documentation.
  • Conduct capability gap analysis and support development of future weapons roadmaps.
  • Provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) support across the weapons acquisition lifecycle.
  • Support integration of A/A weapons across multiple aircraft platforms.
  • Assist the NAVAIR Program Office with system integration and future capability development for DoD CA/CAD weapons.
  • Perform risk assessments related to system design, development, integration, production, and lifecycle management.
  • Coordinate with developmental and operational test communities to support test planning, execution, and evaluation.
  • Provide technical analysis and recommendations to mitigate program risks and integration challenges.
  • Support development of JCIDS documentation including AoAs, CDDs, and CPDs.
  • Engage with stakeholders across NAVAIR, program offices, operational commands, industry partners, and test organizations.
  • Position will require up to 20% travel within CONUS.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary. 

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or an Engineering discipline (Electrical, Electronics, Materials, or Computer).
  • 5+ years of professional experience in one or more of the following: DoD/DoN aviation acquisition programs, systems engineering, and/or systems integration.
  • Technical fields such as engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science
  • U.S. military Aviator experience is desired.
  • Experience with System Security Engineering is a plus.

Equally Important:

  • Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.
  • Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.
  • Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently.
  • Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
  • Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

ASEC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.


Security Clearance Requirement:

  • This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance with T5/T5R adjudication. Selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Salary Range:

  • The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000, commensurate with an individual's experience, qualifications, and skill set. ASEC is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation.

Who We Are:


ASEC offers meaningful, mission-driven work within a culture that supports your professional and personal growth. We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering, information technology, training, and logistics. Above all, we are committed to doing what's right for the Warfighter-plain and simple. Explore what makes ASEC different by visiting our website.


Why work at ASEC?

  • 100% employee-owned company. Learn more about our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) here!
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, disability insurance, and more!
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate education
  • Veteran-friendly employer
  • Thriving employee culture

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ASEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), or any other status protected by law.

ASEC also complies with all applicable pay transparency laws and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation.

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