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Manager Weapons Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across ... Collect, complete, organize and interpret technical data relating to weapons system acquisition ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... of weapons and electronic systems into these ships * Managing the construction, delivery ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

Officer • Both Overview Surface Warfare Officers lead at sea by managing ship operations, combat ... engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime warfare, logistics ...

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Showing results 1-20

Manager Weapons Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.7K

$63.2K

$105.6K

How much do manager weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager weapons engineer in Chicago, IL is $63,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much money do Manager Weapons Engineers make?

Manager Weapons Engineers typically earn a salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the organization. They often hold advanced technical skills and security clearances, which can influence compensation levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Weapons Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Manager Weapons Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $63,200 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Logistics and Tool Control Manager (R5393)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Logistics and Tool Control Manager to support ground and flight test execution for the X-BAT program. This role enables safe, efficient, and repeatable test operations by managing tool control, FOD prevention, calibration readiness, inventory accuracy, logistics coordination, and material traceability.

In this role, you will work closely with Test Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, Quality, Safety, Range Operations, and external suppliers to anticipate rapidly changing aircraft configurations, spare requirements, schedules, equipment usage, flight-readiness needs, and configuration updates.

What you'll do:
  • Manage the tool-control program for maintenance, integration, modification, ground and flight test activities.
  • Maintain serialized records for tools, special test equipment, calibrated devices, batteries, ground-support equipment, and other controlled assets.
  • Enforce tool and equipment issue, return, reconciliation, accountability, and lost-tool procedures.
  • Support FOD prevention through audits, walkdowns, training, trend tracking, corrective actions, and process improvements.
  • Maintain calibration schedules and prevent expired, damaged, or suspect measuring and test equipment from being used on flight hardware.
  • Build, stage, issue, and reconcile tools, parts, special test equipment, and ground and flight support kits for daily test operations.
  • Coordinate with Flight Test, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Safety, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Range Operations to support test readiness.
  • Manage weapon system spares, consumables, support hardware, ground-support equipment, and other support assets.
  • Oversee receiving, inspection, quarantine, storage, issuance, and return of parts, materials, and controlled equipment.
  • Maintain critical-spares plans, logistics readiness dashboards, shortage reports, and action trackers.
  • Support remote test deployments, mobile range operations, and rapid field reconstitution activities.
  • Lead cycle counts, inventory audits, tool audits, discrepancy investigations, and corrective actions.
  • Provide daily logistics readiness status, risks, and blockers to flight-test leadership.
Required qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, manned or unmanned flight test, maintenance, logistics, or production operations.
  • Experience managing controlled tools, calibrated equipment, spares, or technical inventory.
  • Familiarity with FOD prevention, material traceability, and maintenance support.
  • Experience using inventory, ERP, CMMS, QMS, barcode, RFID, or similar asset-management systems.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Test Operations, Supply Chain, Program Leadership, Quality, and Safety.
  • Strong documentation, audit, problem-solving, and corrective-action skills.
  • Detail-oriented approach with a strong commitment to tool control, logistics discipline, and process compliance.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced ground-test and flight-test environment with rapidly changing priorities.
  • Ability to support overtime and weekend coverage as required.
Preferred qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, manned or unmanned flight test, maintenance, logistics, or production operations.
  • Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA, DoD/DoW, and other aerospace quality-system requirements.
  • Experience supporting defense programs, ITAR/EAR-controlled environments, or security-cleared environments.
  • Experience supporting prototype aircraft, weapon systems, or mission-critical aerospace systems.
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.