1

Weapon Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

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 ...

-- 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 ...

-- 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 ...

In this role, you will lead cross-functional engineering activities across weapon systems, fire control, cybersecurity, and combat systems integration. You will guide day-to-day technical execution ...

New

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Tharros is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Weapons or Combat Systems to support NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. These engineers provide senior-level systems engineering expertise for weapon ...

New

In this role, you will lead cross-functional engineering activities across weapon systems, fire control, cybersecurity, and combat systems integration. You will guide day-to-day technical execution ...

New

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Description Tharros is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Weapons or Combat Systems to support NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. These engineers provide senior-level systems engineering ...

New

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · 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 ...

Posted today

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

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 ...

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 Aug 17, 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 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:

Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,473 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

FMS Weapons Lead Systems Engineer

The Air Force Civilian Service

Arlington, VA • On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities for the United States Air Force.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a FMS Weapons Lead Systems Engineer (NH-0801-04) to work for the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Arlington, VA.
VoP (Value of Position): 95
This position can close at any time. Apply Now!
Recruitment, Retention, and Relocation incentives may be available.
Qualifications/Requirements:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive engineer to serve as the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Weapons Lead Systems Engineer and supports the JPO Weapons Integration Lead Engineer within the Air Vehicle (AV) PMO. This person is responsible for the technical, programmatic, airworthiness and certification efforts of all FMS customers' F-35A and F-35B weapons integration activities, to include requirements development, design, analysis, test and evaluation, fleet introduction and capabilities sustainment. The position will be responsible for leading and performing weapons integration tasks for F-35 Air System (AS) in support of FMS customer requirements. This is a supervisory position, leading a multi-person, direct report contractor-government team. The team supports US and foreign-manufactured weapon integration and certification activities across multiple US and foreign weapons family product lines across field sites and between the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin (LM), multiple Service weapon system program offices and US and foreign weapon suppliers. Additionally, the team supports FMS customers' stores airworthiness and certification engineering for developmental and operational flight testing, fleet deliveries, and sustaining engineering for fleet capabilities.
U.S. Citizenship
Obtain maintain a Security clearance
This may be a designated Drug Testing Position
This position requires travel
Bachelor of Science (BS) in engineering discipline (required). Master's degree in engineering (desired).
Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management "Practitioner" certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
Possess minimum of five years' DoD acquisition experience in airborne weapons systems/munitions.
Knowledge of Air Force and Navy weapons certification requirements and airworthiness processes for aircraft and stores is highly desired.
Possess ability to effectively communicate recommendations and employ multi-faceted problem-solving methods to develop effective technical and programmatic solutions.
Possess good briefing skills and interpersonal and/or diplomatic skills are highly desired.
DUTIES:
Provide system engineering and weapons integration management for the FMS customers' weapons to be integrated into their F-35s, to include requirements. development, verification, and certification requirements for store integration.
Coordinate FMS customers' common, partially common and unique weapons requirements and manage integrated schedules with LM/JPO team and routinely report status to leadership.
Evaluate weapons integration and interface design trade studies/design decisions/performance against Israel requirements and mission need requirements.
Coordinate between FMS customer and the prime contractor the requirements, design and integration of weapons/munitions systems hardware and software products, ensuring system requirements are compliant with all export, foreign disclosure, release and security requirements.
Responsible for weapons interfaces and management of Interface Control Documents (ICD's) with the F-35 AS and closure on technical integration issues.
Coordinate across IPTs to perform engineering integration assessments and technical evaluations of the weapons and provide FMS customers' operational limitations and watch items (such as release/separation, flutter, loads, Pilot Vehicle Interface, etc).
Assist in the development and review of F-35 test plans and procedures for the evaluation and certification of FMS customers' weapons for use on their F-35.
Review and analyze test data to determine compliance with F-35 FMS customers' weapons requirements.
Coordinate with FMS customers and external governing agencies/services to ensure consistency in F-35 airworthiness and store certification processes.
Coordinate with F-35 Class Desks, US and Foreign weapons program offices, and US, Partner and FMS Military and Government Weapons SMEs.
Evaluate future weapon requirements and their impact on the F-35 design.
Review Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA), Requests for Information (RFI) and Press Releases for releasability.
Review and assess Deficiency Reports and Software Problem Anomaly Report (SPAR) on their impacts to F-35 weapons integration and design and determine appropriate closure plans.
Coordinate and manage FMS-unique weapons safety risks in conjunction with JPO System Safety, ensuring technical risks are captured and reviewed at risk boards and all relevant and releasable weapons risks are communicated to the FMS customers.
Provide subject matter expertise to the International Directorate FMS Program Managers as required for the execution of all FMS Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).
Supervise and mentor FMS funded civilian personnel assigned to the FMS teams. Accomplish personnel actions (hiring, discipline, appraisals, etc.).
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
U.S. citizenship required. AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. Must be of legal working age.

What Air Force Civilian Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom