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Weapon Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Virginia, IL ยท On-site

$78 - $176/hr

Our team supports the design of state-of-the-art directed energy weapons systems to enhance warfighter capabilities. That's why we need you, an optical engineer, who is interested in the testing of ...

$73 - $109/hr

... aircraft, weapon systems supportability and/or maintainability programs. * Develops, reviews ... engineering products(including drawings, repair dispositions, and analyzes) as well as ...

Jr Software Developer

Virginia, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Apply your skills to the latest DoD weapons and sensor systems, modernizing the Navy and contributing to mission success. JR Software Developer Responsibilities Include: * Support Naval projects and ...

Sr C/C++ Software Developer

Virginia, IL ยท On-site

$110 - $190/hr

Apply your skills to the latest DoW weapons and sensor systems, modernizing the Navy and contributing to mission success. Sr C/C++ Software Developer Responsibilities Include: * Support Naval ...

Virtualization Engineer III

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Virtualization Engineer III - TS/SCI Clearance Required - JBSA Lackland - San Antonio, TX The ... DCO) Weapon Systems. The position ensures highly available, secure, and resilient virtual ...

Cybersecurity Engineer

Dahlgren, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $156/hr

Two (2) of the five (5) years of engineering experience on Combat Weapons Systems experience in Aegis, SSDS, Zumwalt, or other Navy afloat tactical combat systems. Certified as IAT Level II or Level ...

SQL Database Developer

Virginia, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $140/hr

Apply your skills to the latest DoW weapons and sensor systems, modernizing the Navy and contributing to mission success. Database SQL Software Developer Responsibilities Include: * Perform database ...

Sr QA Engineer

Marion, IL ยท On-site

$86 - $116/hr

Quality Company Overview General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile ...

Tactical Analyst

Virginia, IL ยท On-site

$125 - $140/hr

Coordinate with program offices and combat system developers to identify technical issues, assess ... Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) * Experience using qualitative and quantitative assessment ...

Infrastructure Architect II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$120 - $150/hr

... engineering support for the installation, configuration, sustainment, and modernization of ... Install, configure, andmaintainenterprise infrastructure supporting DCO Weapon Systems. * Support ...

Infrastructure Architect III

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$120 - $150/hr

The Infrastructure Architect III provides advanced engineering expertise across networking ... weapon systems. * Develop scalable Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service ...

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Showing results 1-20

Weapon Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$42.6K

$103.1K

$168.1K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineer in Illinois is $103,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $128,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a weapon engineer do?

A Weapon Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains weapons systems and related technology. They work on a wide range of projects, including firearms, missiles, explosives, and defense systems, ensuring that these weapons are safe, effective, and reliable. Weapon Engineers may also be involved in research, improving existing technologies, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They often collaborate with other engineers, military personnel, and government agencies to meet specific defense requirements.

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

To thrive as a Weapon Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and adherence to defense industry standards and certifications such as ITAR compliance are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in designing and testing complex weapon systems. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of weapons, which are critical for national security and defense objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by weapon engineers when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Weapon Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from fields such as electronics, software, and mechanical engineering. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these disciplines, as each may use different technical languages and design approaches. Successfully integrating various subsystems into a cohesive weapon system also requires strong project management and adaptability to evolving defense requirements. Building strong relationships and maintaining open, solution-focused dialogue with team members are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Weapon Engineer vs Armament Specialist?

AspectWeapon EngineerArmament Specialist
CredentialsEngineering degree, security clearancesTechnical certifications, security clearances
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilitiesField operations, testing sites
Industry UsageDefense contractors, militaryMilitary units, defense agencies

Weapon Engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing weapons systems, often working in labs or manufacturing. Armament Specialists typically handle the deployment, maintenance, and operational support of weapons in the field. While both roles require technical knowledge and security clearances, Weapon Engineers are more involved in the creation process, whereas Armament Specialists focus on operational use and support.

How much do weapon engineers get paid?

Weapon engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in ballistic systems, software, and safety protocols can lead to higher compensation, especially in defense or aerospace industries.

What are popular job titles related to Weapon Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Weapon Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weapon Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Weapon Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Weapon Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Weapon Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,091 per year, or $49.6 per hour.