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Weapon Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

EXPANSIA

E01-T07 Anti-Tamper Engineer

Mundelein, IL

$190K - $195K/yr

Apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, design, develop, implement, test or evaluate military weapons systems. * Review and prepares engineering and technical analyses, reports ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Chicago, IL

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Aurora, IL · On-site

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Gary, IN

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Hammond, IN · On-site

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Gary, IN · On-site

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Hammond, IN

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

U.S. Navy

Engineering Duty Officer

Aurora, IL

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

US Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Lemont, IL

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

US Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Homewood, IL

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

US Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Manteno, IL

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

US Navy

Surface Warfare Officer

Roselle, IL

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsWeapon Engineer JobsWeapon Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Weapon Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.4K

$109.7K

$178.9K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineer in Chicago, IL is $109,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do weapon engineers make?

Weapon engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in engineering, security clearances, and familiarity with defense systems can lead to higher compensation.

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 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 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 Chicago, IL? For Weapon Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapon Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Weapon Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Weapon Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,679 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Staff Engineer, Quality Assurance (R5358)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Quality Engineer to support the development, inspection, execution, and continuous improvement of the X-BAT program. This fast-paced role is responsible for ensuring weapons system hardware, assemblies, suppliers, manufacturing processes, test processes, and final products meet engineering requirements and quality standards.

You will work closely with test operations, manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, program management, and suppliers to identify quality risks, resolve nonconformances, improve processes, and deliver reliable mission critical operations.

What you'll do:
  • Support quality planning, inspections, readiness, and acceptance activities for the weapons system and subsystems
  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria
  • Develop and maintain quality documentation, including inspection plans, control plans, first article inspections, nonconformance reports, corrective actions, and quality records
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action efforts for manufacturing defects, supplier issues, test failures, process/procedure failures, and any other quality concerns
  • Support material review board activities, disposition of nonconforming material, and implementation of containment actions
  • Work with manufacturing and engineering teams to build, process capability, and product reliability
  • Analyze quality data, defect trends, performance, and escape rates to identify improvement opportunities
  • Participate in supplier quality activities, including issue resolution, corrective actions, and quality flow-down requirements
  • Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, customer, and internal quality requirements
  • Promote a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in science, Engineering, Technology, and Math (STEM), Quality Engineering or related field, or similar experience levels supporting developmental test operations.
  • 5-10 years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering
  • Experience in quality engineering, ground and flight test execution, maintenance, manufacturing engineering, supplier quality, production support, or aerospace hardware
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, bills of materials, work instructions, and inspection requirements
  • Proven experience with nonconformance management, root cause analysis, corrective action, trend analysis, and quality documentation
  • Familiarity with inspection methods, measurement tools, and manufacturing processes used in aerospace or complex hardware integration and development test environments
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and program leadership
  • Maintains liaison with manufacturing, engineering, material management, suppliers to resolve quality problems
  • Detail-oriented approach with a strong commitment to product quality and process discipline
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced ground and flight test environment
  • Willingness to travel and work outdoors at test ranges and other program requirements
  • Overtime and weekend coverage as required
Preferred qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering
  • Knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, FAA, DoW, and other aerospace and defense quality standards
  • Experience with first acritical inspections
  • Experience supporting protype aircraft, weapon systems, or mission critical aerospace systems
  • Familiarity with configuration management, drawing release processes, and engineering change processes
  • Experience using quality tools such as 8D, 5 Why’s, Fishbone diagrams, FMEA, control plans, or process capability analysis
  • Certified Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or related certification
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.