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Weapon Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physicist (NWS 00921)

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$178.87/hr

D. in Physics or Engineering, or the equivalent of 15+ years of experience supporting weapon design and design physics. - Currently holds an active DOE Q clearance. - Extensive experience with design ...

New

D. in Physics or Engineering, or the equivalent of 15+ years of experience supporting weapon design and design physics. - Currently holds an active DOE Q clearance. - Extensive experience with design ...

New

The Nuclear Weapons SME will advise CWMD leadership, intelligence analysts, and interagency partners on nuclear weapons design, development, employment concepts, proliferation risks, and threat ...

Physicist (NWS 00921)

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$178.87/hr

D. in Physics or Engineering, or the equivalent of 15+ years of experience supporting weapon design and design physics. - Currently holds an active DOE Q clearance. - Extensive experience with design ...

New

The Nuclear Weapons SME will advise CWMD leadership, intelligence analysts, and interagency partners on nuclear weapons design, development, employment concepts, proliferation risks, and threat ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA

$102K - $122K/yr

Analyze the effects of nuclear weapons on facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and operational workflows. * Develop protective design criteria using physics-based models addressing radiation ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Analyze the effects of nuclear weapons on facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and operational workflows. * Develop protective design criteria using physics-based models addressing radiation ...

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Weapon Design information

See salary details

$70.5K

$134.6K

$195K

How much do weapon design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 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 job?

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 some typical daily responsibilities for 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or working in high-demand industries.

How to get into firearm design?

To become a firearm designer, typically a background in mechanical engineering, industrial design, or a related field is required, along with knowledge of ballistics, materials, and manufacturing processes. Gaining experience through internships, apprenticeships, or working with firearm manufacturers can be valuable, and proficiency with CAD software is often essential. Certifications or specialized training in firearm safety and design may also enhance job prospects.

What job designs firearms?

A firearm designer is a professional who develops and improves firearm models, focusing on aspects like safety, functionality, and ergonomics. They often work with CAD software, prototype testing, and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. This role typically requires a background in engineering or industrial design and knowledge of firearm mechanics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Weapon Design position, and why are they important?

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.

What is someone who designs weapons called?

A person who designs weapons is typically called a weapon designer or arms designer. They often work in defense or military industries, utilizing engineering, physics, and CAD software to develop new weapon systems and improve existing ones.
More about Weapon Design jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapon Design jobs? The most popular types of Weapon Design jobs are:
What states have the most Weapon Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapon Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weapon Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,577 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Nuclear Weapons SME / NNSA SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Germantown, MD โ€ข On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

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

This position provides relocation support to the Germantown area.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) in support of the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated, long-term, 100% on-site position at the Department of Energy facility in Germantown, Maryland. This position provides relocation support to the Germantown area.

The SME will be trained to conduct classification review and analysis of government material in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), and National Security Information (NSI) technical areas such as:

  • Nuclear weapon design, development, testing, production, and deployment
  • Nuclear weapon science
  • Inertial confinement fusion (ICF)
  • Ballistic missile and/or reentry body/vehicle design, development, testing, production, and deployment
  • Special nuclear material (SNM) production technologies such as, but not limited to, isotope separation technologies (atomic vapor laser isotope separation, gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, etc.) and nuclear material processing
  • Counterintelligence and nuclear intelligence
  • Military utilization of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon effects
  • Nuclear nonproliferation (technology and/or safeguards programs)
  • Radiological weapons and improvised nuclear devices
  • Space nuclear reactors and naval nuclear propulsion

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $165,000 to $185,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Security Clearance:

MUST possess an active DOE Q clearance or an active DoD Top Secret clearance

Experience & Skills:

The SME shall ideally have five (5) years total field and/or program office experience in one or more of the following:

  • Nuclear weapons design and improvised nuclear devices
  • Nuclear material production, such as but not limited to isotope separation technologies (atomic vapor laser isotope separation, gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, etc.), and nuclear material processing
  • Counterintelligence and nuclear intelligence
  • Weapon science and inertial confinement fusion
  • Military utilization of nuclear weapons

Education:

The candidate must be able to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15, and score accordingly on the Nelson Denny reading assessment test.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences (or a related area of engineering) from an accredited college or university. A Masterโ€™s degree is highly desirable.

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option 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.