ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Weapon Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Share Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As a Laser Weapon System ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As a Laser Weapon System Test ...

SAIC

Weapons Systems Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

SW Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Experience related to gun weapon systems and/or Army/Navy programs. Target salary range: $80,001 ...

SAIC

Weapons Systems Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Experience related to gun weapon systems and/or Army/Navy programs. Target salary range: $80,001 ... engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining ...

SimIS Inc.

-- Nuclear Weapon Effects SME (T)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university • Must have at least 8 years' of ... weapon effects (NWE); space radiation; ground; and flight test infrastructure investments ...

SimIS Inc.

-- Nuclear Weapon Effects SME (T)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university  Must have at least 8 years' of ... weapon effects (NWE); space radiation; ground; and flight test infrastructure investments ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWeapon Engineer JobsWeapon Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Weapon Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.6K

$105.5K

$172K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineer in Virginia is $105,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or working in high-demand industries with complex projects.

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 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 does a weapons engineer do?

A weapons engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains weapon systems, including firearms, missiles, and other military or defense-related technology. They often work with specialized tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Their work may involve research, materials selection, and ensuring weapon performance and safety.

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.

How much money do weapon engineers make?

Weapon engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and security clearance levels. Salaries can be higher in defense contracting and government agencies, especially for those with specialized skills in missile systems, firearms, or military technology.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior weapon engineers, aerospace engineers, and systems engineers with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually. These roles often require advanced degrees, security clearances, and expertise in areas such as defense systems, missile technology, or military hardware design.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Weapon Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Weapon Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapon Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Weapon Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Weapon Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Weapon Engineer job openings:
Weapon Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,473 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

JR Mechanical Engineer / Weapon Systems Modeler

Bowhead

King George, VA

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Overview

Mechanical Engineer / Weapon Systems Modeler (DETO-2026-25747):

Bowhead seeks new team members in their support to the Navy's Weapons Systems Munitions Integration and Hypersonics division. Bowhead seeks analysts to perform Target Vulnerability characterizations and Weapon System effectiveness analyses. The position will interface with weapons design analysts, other subject matter experts, and technical personnel model targets and analyze the effects of weapon systems against them.

Responsibilities
  • Define threat systems, understand their subsystems (e.g., propulsion, fire control, etc.) and then develop a Target Geometric Model and associated Fail Analysis Logic Trees
  • Combine the Target Vulnerability models and weapon characterizations to assess encounters between a weapon and target with the goal of determining the overall probability of kill (Pk) or system effectiveness based upon delivery accuracy. These analyses are generally performed using a Monte Carlo simulation and are performed in support of weapons system acquisition, service procurement, and employment
  • Prepare documentation and support configuration management guidelines
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline. Concentrations in the following academic areas would be of benefit: Vector calculus, statistics, statics, mechanics (3-Degrees of Freedom), dynamics (6-Degrees of Freedom), and Strength of Materials.
  • Experience in Naval Weapons Systems development preferred.
  • Experience with Matlab, Python scripting, and SOLIDWORKS are a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and interface professionally with other government agencies, contractors, military personnel.
  • Ability to define task details, estimates, and schedules using Microsoft Office products (e.g. Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Word).

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

#LI-BG1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply