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Manager Weapons Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Manager Weapons Engineer information

What does a manager weapons engineer do?

A Manager Weapons Engineer oversees the design, development, testing, and maintenance of weapons systems within a defense or security organization. They manage engineering teams, coordinate project timelines, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and interface with clients or military officials. Their role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities to deliver effective and reliable weapon solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by a manager weapons engineer when leading a multidisciplinary team?

As a Manager Weapons Engineer, one of the key challenges is coordinating efforts among specialists from various engineering backgrounds—such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—to ensure seamless integration of weapon systems. Balancing technical requirements with project timelines and budget constraints can also be demanding. Additionally, maintaining compliance with strict safety and security protocols while fostering innovation requires strong leadership and clear communication. Building a cohesive team culture and managing stakeholder expectations are essential for project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager weapons engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Weapons Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, extensive experience in weapons systems, and typically at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, defense industry standards, project management tools, and relevant security clearances is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you guide teams and coordinate across departments. These competencies ensure effective project execution, compliance with safety regulations, and the successful development and deployment of advanced weapon systems.

What is the difference between Manager Weapons Engineer vs Weapons Engineer?

AspectManager Weapons EngineerWeapons Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications in weapons systems or project managementBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads teams in R&D, manufacturing, or testing facilities within defense or aerospace companiesDesigns, develops, and tests weapon systems in labs or on-site facilities
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, aerospace firms, government agenciesDefense industry, aerospace companies, government labs

The main difference is that a Manager Weapons Engineer oversees teams and projects, focusing on management and coordination, while a Weapons Engineer is primarily involved in the technical design and development of weapon systems. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and industry experience, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in California?

For Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Manager Weapons Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manager Weapons Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Manager Weapons Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Sr Principal/Principal Flight Test Engineer (Weapons)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Edwards, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to support weaponfocused test efforts. The incumbent will serve as the primary technical authority for weaponsystems test planning, execution, and data analysis, and will act as the focal point between design engineering, maintenance, test operations, and the customer.

Position Overview

The Weapons Test Engineer will work with a variety of test disciplines in a Combined Test Force (CTF) environment at Edwards AFB, CA, and with several Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to complete tasks related to testing aircraft weapon systems. The selected candidate will be selfmotivated and have a strong interest in the functional designintegration of weapon systems and flight test.

Functional designintegration requires indepth technical knowledge of Stores Management System (SMS) and Suspension & Release Equipment (S&RE) hardware and software, as well as familiarity with governing standards such as MILSTD1553, MILSTD1760, and the Universal Armament Interface (UAI). A broad understanding of overall aircraft subsystems and how they are used by pilots and maintainers is also essential.

The successful candidate should thrive in a fastpaced environment with high expectations, diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.

Core Responsibilities

  • Perform duties in the weaponsintegration area, including research, data gathering, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
  • Work from engineering specifications such as Software Requirements Packages, Interface Control Documents, PerformanceBased Specifications, architecture drawings, and other engineering instructions or technical data.
  • Collaborate with a variety of test disciplines in a CTF environment and with IPTs to complete design, testing, and sustainment tasks for aircraft weapon systems. Independently determine and develop solution approaches.
  • Communicate across engineering disciplines and technology areas to integrate capabilities and convey technical analyses to internal stakeholders and external customers (government customers and company leadership).
  • Support testplanning activities for ground and flighttest weapon missions.
  • Provide realtime controlroom monitoring during missions, as well as postflight data analysis, troubleshooting, and report generation.
  • Perform weaponsystem checkouts and update maintenance procedures.

"This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below"

Basic Qualifications

"This requisition may be filled at either a Principal or a Sr Principal Flight Test Engineer"

Basic Qualifications for Principal Engineer Flight Test Engineer:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience
  • Must have an active US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Willingness to work overtime, oddhour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Engineer Flight Test Engineer:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience
  • Must have an active US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Willingness to work overtime, oddhour shifts, and occasional weekends to support test schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Current active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret clearance.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills; experience presenting technical briefings to senior leadership, contractors, and customers.
  • Direct test experience in flighttesting weapon systems and/or mission systems of military aircraft.
  • Development/integration experience and working knowledge of weapons and payload systems.
  • Prior experience working in classified environments and implementing Safety Management System (SMS) processes for flighttest operations.
  • Familiarity with USAF 412th Test Wing processes.
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939