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Weapon Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Reliability Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $147K/yr

The selectee will perform as the Decision Technologies Reliability Engineer for a US Navy Weapons Engineering and Program Acquisition Support contract. YOU MUST BE ELIGIBLE FOR A DOD SECRET CLEARANCE ...

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 ...

-- 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Weapon Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.6K

$105.5K

$172K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Weapon Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Weapon Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,473 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Junior GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer)

Command Post Technologies, Inc.

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description

Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role provides technical expertise across system modeling, simulation, algorithm development, data analysis, and integration activities in support of weapon system development, performance assessment, and mission engineering. The Engineer will directly support government technical leads and collaborate with associated subsystem SMEs to deliver analytical rigor, modeling capability, and engineering insight into guidance, navigation, and control solutions used in government test and evaluation environments.


Responsibilities: 

  • Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation.
  • Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation environments and subsystem integration.
  • Perform trajectory analysis, mission performance evaluations, and control system stability assessments.
  • Develop navigation solutions integrating IMUs, GPS, INS, seekers, and other sensor modalities.
  • Conduct Monte Carlo analysis, uncertainty modeling, and system performance sensitivity studies.
  • Implement GNC prototypes in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or equivalent simulation frameworks.
  • Analyze telemetry, flight test data, and HWIL/SIL outputs to validate system performance.
  • Support requirements decomposition, interface definition, and subsystem integration with E20 system engineering teams.
  • Document models, test results, algorithm behavior, and performance in technical reports and presentations.
  • Participate in technical reviews, design sessions, and engineering working groups with government and contractor personnel. 

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (Master's preferred). 
  • Coursework in Modern Control Systems, Modern Control Theory, Optimal Control Theory, MIMO Control, Linear Systems Theory, Optimal State Estimation, or courses related to sensing, navigation, localization, or mapping, and/or related coursework. 
  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and at least one programming language (Python or C/C++). 
  • The successful candidate shall have experience with guidance algorithms (proportional navigation, pursuit guidance, optimal guidance, intercept geometry), navigation & estimation, Kalman filtering (EKF/UKF), inertial navigation, GPS/INS integration, sensor fusion, control engineering, PID, LQR, state space control, autopilot design, stability & robustness analysis, M&S (Modeling & Simulation), MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), C/C++ for embedded or real time simulation, and familiarity with 6 DOF modeling. 
  • Ability to work with E20 technical SMEs to develop or refine analytical tools, performance models, or algorithmic improvements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (current Secret preferred).

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Familiarity with hardware in the loop (HWIL) or software in the loop (SIL) environments is a plus.
  • Experience supporting missile systems, unmanned systems, or weapons/flight dynamics programs.
  • Experience supporting NSWCDD, NAVSEA, or other DoD weapons engineering divisions.
  • Experience with aerospace flight test data analysis or guidance law verification.
  • Knowledge of seeker modeling, sensor suite integration, or autopilot tuning.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level.  U.S. 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

About us: We are Command Post Technologies, Inc. (CPT). CPT is a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), providing engineering services in the areas of Cyber Security, Software Development, Test & Evaluation, and Strategic Planning. CPT employees appreciate working in a caring environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance. As individuals, we come together as a team, supporting a culture rooted in our core principles of integrity, determination, and innovation. In all of CPT's collaboration efforts, our team prioritizes communication, accountability, and resourcefulness in order to maximize efficiency and results.
 

What's In It for You

  • Great health benefits (for more info, contact us directly)
  • Leadership training
  • 401k with generous company matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Career professional development
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Flexible hours
  • Work/Life balance
  • Rewards and recognition
  • Paid Time Off
  • Parental Leave

Command Post Technologies, Inc. (CPT) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) founded in 2008 and headquartered in Suffolk, VA with personnel in various states including Virginia, Maryland, Florida, and Texas. With 2/3 of our staff being former military, CPT firmly believes in employing veterans. Command Post Technologies, Inc. is a unique provider of innovative solutions that enhance our corporate clients' productivity and empower our government clients with the ability to protect against all enemies: foreign and domestic. CPT adapts its successful military experiential approach to the needs of leaders in a global business environment and provides an elite leadership curriculum that results in a world-class, leadership-altering event.
 

Command Post Technologies Inc. (CPT) is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. We take Affirmative Action to ensure equal opportunities for employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
 

We abide by the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision and will refrain from discharging or otherwise discriminating against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants. An exception exists where the employee or applicant makes the disclosure based on information obtained while performing his or her essential job functions.