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Weapon Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

$145K - $155K/yr

Test and Demonstration include engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations with Threshold and Objective launch platforms/controllers and ground Joint Terminal Attack ...

$145K - $155K/yr

Test and Demonstration include engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations with Threshold and Objective launch platforms/controllers and ground Joint Terminal Attack ...

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next ...

$140K - $155K/yr

Support defining and documenting specifications for network-enabled weapon systems to ensure Link ... Advise and assist the staff Engineers, IPT members, PMs, and test team customers on performance ...

Systems Engineer

Pittsfield, MA · Hybrid

$34.15 - $49.35/hr

You'll be working as a member of a cross functional team in Strategic Weapons Control responsible ... Engineering leadership; excellent communication and presentation skills, cross-discipline ...

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Showing results 1-20

Weapon Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$48.1K

$116.2K

$189.5K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineer in Massachusetts is $116,187.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $144,700.00 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 Massachusetts?

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

Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,187 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Lead Nuclear Effects Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

Bedford, MA • On-site

$103K - $124K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.
MITRE's Nuclear Weapon Systems and C2 Platforms Department is seeking a lead engineer to make critical contributions in understanding the effects of natural radiation and nuclear events on relevant systems. Our department leads a dynamic work program focused on accelerating the evolution of the United States' nuclear deterrent capabilities, provides threat-informed data-driven modernization recommendations, prototypes, and analyses that accelerate the fielding of warfighter capability and allow for the cost-effective modernization of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) and Nuclear Weapon Systems. This position will have a unique opportunity to support design and mitigation strategies to develop and field a survivable weapon system with operational requirements involving the following nuclear threat environments: Electromagnetic Pulse, Ionizing Radiation, Thermal Radiation, Air-Blast and Radiological exposure.
Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Analyze nuclear effects on aircraft, spacecraft and communications systems to support development of all nuclear hardness system level design, including system level analysis and testing.
  • Generate weapon system design criteria supported by design analysis, modeling & simulation, equipment and system-level trade studies, system integration, piece-part, component, equipment, and system test artifacts.
  • Execute the analysis and/or evaluation/validation of components, equipment, subsystems, or weapon system analytical models and actual system implementation for weapons compliance to operationally relevant nuclear threat environments.
  • Contribute to and review NH&S Design Analysis Reports (DAR) and nuclear hardness system test plans and reports documenting equipment compliance and weapon system certification.
  • Conduct essential design evaluations and provide technical assessments on systems survivability by understanding system responses to nuclear events by utilizing home-developed and third-party software/physics codes on effects of radiation, electromagnetic pulses and/or electromagnetic interference.
  • Technical planning, specification requirements derivation, test and analysis, design, planning and execution, documentation, and requirements/validation supporting overall system compliance.
  • Evaluate uncertainty and risks associated with rad-hard requirements and design mitigation strategies.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a B.S degree in Engineering or Physics related field, or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
  • Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of particle physics, solar physics, or nuclear physics.
  • Strong mathematical and statistical background.
  • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of nuclear weapons effects and resulting Transient Radiation Effects on Electronics (TREE) and Electromagnetic pulse on DoD and commercial systems.
  • Experience with electrical circuit rad-hard design and test including piece-part screening, analysis, modeling, and test of component and systems for radiation environment compliance i.e. prompt dose rate, total ionizing dose, neutron displacement damage, neutron induced upset, single event effects.
  • Knowledge of Circumvention & Recovery techniques for component, circuit, equipment subsystems compliance and weapon system level probabilistic performance assessments during pre/trans and post nuclear weapon environment exposure.
  • Travel up to 20% of the time as needed
  • Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
  • This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Nuclear Command, Control & Communication weapon system survivability design experience.
  • Analysis experience with radiation environments including man-made and natural space environment.
  • Experience in leading technical projects in the area of nuclear physics.
  • Experience with transport problems in atmosphere or within structures.
  • Experience and/or familiarity with the following standards and handbooks: DODI 3150.09, MIL-STD-1766, AFWL-TR-86-26, MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-3023, MIL-STD-2169, MIL-STD-461, MIL-HDBK-814, MIL-HDBK-815, MIL-HDBK-816, MIL-HDBK-817, MIL-STD-3054.
  • Experience and/or familiarity with the following engineering software/tools: ANSYS (EMC Plus, Charge Plus), CST, FEKO, MATLAB, SPIET -D, ASSIST, NORSE, FAB4DA, MCNP, CEPXS, IRENE or similar.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$156,400 - $195,500 - $234,600 Annual
Work Location Type:
Onsite
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.
MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.
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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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