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Lethality Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

... Lethality Branch (E11) in the Integrated Engagement Systems Department (E) of NAVSURFWARCENDLD ... You will provide senior-level technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and scientists by ...

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Lethality Engineer information

What is the difference between Lethality Engineer vs Ballistics Engineer?

AspectLethality EngineerBallistics Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, security clearance, specialized trainingEngineering degree, physics or mechanical background, security clearance
Work EnvironmentDefense labs, military facilities, R&D centersResearch labs, military testing sites, manufacturing facilities
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, military agenciesDefense contractors, military agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Lethality Engineers and Ballistics Engineers work in defense and military sectors, often requiring similar credentials and working environments. While Lethality Engineers focus on developing and enhancing weapon effectiveness, Ballistics Engineers specialize in projectile behavior and trajectory analysis. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates identify the right career path within defense engineering fields.

What are popular job titles related to Lethality Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Lethality Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lethality Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Lethality Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

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Lethality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lethality Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer

Bowhead

King George, VA

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview

Laser Lethality & Vulnerability Analysis Engineer (DETO-2026-25746): 

Bowhead seeks new team members in their support to the Navy's Weapons Systems Munitions Integration and Hypersonic division. Join a missiondriven team at the forefront of modern weapon system assessment. This role places you directly in the analytical engine room of laser lethality and survivability studies-where physics, engineering, and realworld threat understanding converge. You won't just model systems; you'll help decode how weapons achieve kill, how targets respond, and what drives true operational effectiveness.

***This position will require full onsite work at the Bowhead office or Navy installation. No remote opportunity for this contract***

Responsibilities

Job duties to include but are not limited to: 

  • Analyze how High Energy Laser weapons can defeat other weapon systems with analytical and high-fidelity models of material, subsystem and full up system response.
  • Analyze weapon engagement kill mechanisms to understand how energy deposition, material response, and subsystem interactions drive missionlevel effects.
  • Analyze the effects and logic of failures to understand system vulnerabilities and predict failure mechanisms.
  • Characterize weapon system vulnerabilities.
  • Model weapon system geometries to support highfidelity vulnerability and lethality assessments.
  • Perform weapon engagement analyses to quantify time-to-kill and probability of kill.
  • Perform additional technical duties as assigned in support of Navy weapons integration and assessment efforts.
  • Other Duties as assigned
Qualifications

***This position will require full onsite work at the Bowhead office or Navy installation. No remote opportunity for this contract***

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
  • Proficiency with 3D modeling and geometry development.
  • Strong analytical foundation in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and system modeling.
  • Proficiency in programming and scripting for modeling, data analysis, and simulation automation.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with government personnel, contractors, and crossfunctional engineering teams.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for documentation and communication.
  • Experience performing Failure Mode Effectiveness Analysis (FMEA), developing Failure Analysis Logic Trees (FALT), and generating Target Vulnerability Characterizations (TVC) products.
  • Experience developing Vulnerability Modules (VMs), particularly for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems.
  • Experience conducting engagement analysis, including generating TTK plots and Pk assessments using modeling and simulation tools.
  • Familiarity with vulnerability/lethality analysis frameworks, survivability modeling, or DoD weapon system assessment processes.
  • Experience supporting classified programs or working within secure facilities.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

Target salary is $75,000/annually to $85,000/annually commensurate with experience

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

#LI-BG1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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