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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

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Aerospace Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes ... Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation ...

Bowhead

Aerospace Engineer (GNC)

King George, VA · On-site

The Engineer will directly support government technical leads and collaborate with associated ... Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation ...

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Aerospace Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes ... Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation ...

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Weapon Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.6K

$105.5K

$172K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 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 working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Weapon engineering is a field that values skills, experience, and continuous learning over age. Many engineers start or transition into the profession later in life, and relevant certifications or technical expertise can help establish credibility regardless of age.

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 to ensure functionality and safety of weapon systems.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior weapon engineers, aerospace engineers, and systems engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and security clearances can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and work in defense or aerospace industries, sometimes involving management responsibilities or high-level technical expertise.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 51% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 28% Contract, and 2% Nights. 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.

Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior

Bowhead

King George, VA

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Overview

Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior (H40-2026-25249)

Bowhead seeks a Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior to support a newly awarded contract in Dahlgren, VA. This contract will provide configuration management (CM), logistics, mechanical and electrical engineering technician services, field service support, project management, drafting and design, technical writing, and acquisition services to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), Unmanned & Expeditionary Weapon Systems (H40) Division and Intelligent Automation (H60) Division.

Responsibilities

Job Duties to include but are not limited to: 

  • Oversee and manage medium size weapons or small munitions operation and testing, maintenance, and sustainment of weapons.
  • Contribute to system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of weapon systems and munition testing.
  • Document design specifications, implementation details, and test results.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Associates Degree (or higher) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering technical discipline or four (4) years of military weapons school focusing on medium size weapons or small munitions operation and testing, maintenance, and sustainment of weapons.
  • Experience in mechanical and electrical technical areas, and understanding engineering drawings and wiring diagrams, operating electronic, electrical, and mechanical test equipment.
  • Experience related to weapons, platform integration, or weapon control systems.
  • Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts
  • Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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