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Weapon Design information

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$70.5K

$134.6K

$195K

How much do weapon design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon design in the United States is $134,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $157,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weapon design?

A Weapon Design job involves creating and developing weapons for military, law enforcement, or defense applications. Designers work on everything from firearms and explosives to advanced missile systems, ensuring functionality, safety, and efficiency. This role requires expertise in engineering, materials science, and ballistics, often utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software. Weapon designers collaborate with defense contractors, government agencies, and military organizations to meet strategic and technological requirements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a weapon design professional?

As a Weapon Design professional, your daily responsibilities may include developing and refining technical specifications, modeling components using CAD tools, conducting simulations and analysis, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing and testing engineers. You may also be involved in technical reviews, documentation, and ensuring that all designs meet regulatory and safety standards. The role often requires a balance of independent technical work and teamwork to solve complex engineering challenges and advance project goals. Staying current with evolving technologies and industry best practices is also a key part of succeeding in this dynamic and impactful career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in weapon design?

To thrive in Weapon Design, you need a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, physics, and materials science, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced certification. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry safety and compliance standards is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills ensure that weapon systems are designed efficiently, safely, and collaboratively to meet rigorous technical and regulatory requirements.

Do weapon designers make good money?

Weapon designers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and industry sector, such as defense or aerospace. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn high wages, especially in government or private defense contractors. Certifications and knowledge of CAD software or engineering principles can also influence earning potential.

What do weapon designers do?

Weapon designers develop and create firearms, artillery, and other weapon systems by applying principles of engineering, physics, and materials science. They conduct research, create prototypes, and test designs to improve performance, safety, and reliability, often using CAD software and adhering to safety standards and regulations.
More about Weapon Design jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Weapon Design jobs?

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What states have the most Weapon Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Weapon Design jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Weapon Design jobs look for?

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Weapon Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,577 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Nuclear Weapons Science SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE IN GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND.

Relocation Support to the Germantown area may be provided.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expertise in nuclear weapon science to support the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated full-time position with benefits, with work performed primarily at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland. This long-term position provides relocation support to the Germantown area for those who live outside of the DMV (region encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $175,000 to $190,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Duties:
  • This position requires expert-level knowledge to advise senior DOE management on current technical issues related to the SME's area of expertise in nuclear weapons research (e.g., nuclear weapon design, materials science research, stockpile management, special nuclear materials production, developments relating to improvised nuclear devices, or other areas of expertise)
  • This leadership and policy guidance position requires the ability to lead working groups and develop white papers and presentations
  • This senior professional prepares classification guidance and classification/declassification policy documents and guides in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE Orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), National Security Information (NSI), and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI), including but not limited to the technical areas described below

Requirements

Security Clearance:

Candidate MUST be a United States citizen and have a current DoD Top Secret security clearance or DOE Q security clearance

Education and Experience:

  • Applicant MUST have earned an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a physical science
  • Applicant MUST have hands-on nuclear weapon science experience
  • This position requires excellent writing and verbal communication skills. The individual must demonstrate the ability to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15 (Nelson Denny reading assessment).

Minimum of ten (10) years' total field experience in the subject area of nuclear weapons is required. Hands-on experience with nuclear weapons-related matters such as any of the following is highly valued:

  • Computer Codes and Simulation Tools
  • Nuclear Weapon Design
  • Weapon Science
  • Use Control and other surety aspects of nuclear weapons
  • Knowledge of Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs)
  • Advanced understanding of Radiation Exposure Devices and Radiological Dispersal Devices, including their basic science and technological principles
  • Expert knowledge of programs such as Second Line of Defense to interdict nuclear materials
  • Hands-on knowledge of computer code development to support the nuclear weapon complex is desirable, as is experience with XML computer language
  • Experience working with DOE / NNSA / DoD / DHS / NRC and the national nuclear weapon laboratories

The following are also highly valued:

  • Expertise in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
  • Experience teaching and developing testing and educational materials for subjects such as IND or ICF is highly desirable

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option is available at a company-subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical Plan Options With UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) Match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.