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Weapon Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Computer Engineer

Keyport, WA · On-site

$108K - $128K/yr

Undersea Weapons Department: This Department plans, organizes, directs and controls NUWC Division ... Provides In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA), maintenance, and repair support for Anti-Submarine ...

The incumbent serves as a Lead Engineer in the Propulsion, Launchers, and Weapons Systems Branch of the In-Service Submarine Systems Engineering Division (SUB-E57) in TEAM SUBMARINE at the Washington ...

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Weapon Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$50.1K

$121.1K

$197.4K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineer in Seattle, WA is $121,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $150,800.00 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 Seattle, WA? For Weapon Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,068 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Mechanical Engineer
Location
KEYPORT, WA 98345 US (Primary)
Job Type / Status
Full-Time
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Clearance Level Required
Secret
Job Description
McLaughlin Research Corporation (MRC) is hiring engineers to support four major departments of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport WA. MRC provides engineering support services for work occurring in the Test and Evaluation Department (Code 20); the Undersea Weapons Department (Code 30); the Undersea Systems & Sustainment Engineering Department (Code 40), and the Unmanned and Theater Undersea Warfare Systems Department (Code 50). This work includes Test, Training, and Evaluation (TT&E) of Undersea Warfare (USW) systems and operational readiness assessment support; repair services for mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electronics systems, assemblies, and components; engineering, production, and test services for assemblies, technical data, and components of varying complexity and life-cycle support of combat and weapon systems.
This position will involve Electrical/Electronic engineering and technical support required across several departments of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport Washington:
  • CODE 20: Test & Evaluation (T&E) Department: This Department plans, organizes, directs and controls NUWC Division Keyport's capabilities in Undersea Warfare T&E, performance assessment, and assurance capabilities for acquisition and Fleet customers.
  • CODE 30: Undersea Weapons Department: This Department plans, organizes, directs and controls NUWC Division Keyport's efforts in support of this Center's fielding and sustainment role for Weapon Systems. Provides In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA), maintenance, and repair support for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)and Undersea Warfare (USW) systems for U.S. Fleet and Foreign Military customers. Systems include in-service and developmental Heavyweight and Lightweight torpedoes, various Mine Systems, and other ASW/USW systems as assigned.
  • CODE 40: Undersea Systems & Sustainment Engineering Department: This Department plans, organizes, directs and controls NUWC Division Keyport's efforts to ensure Fleet Operational Readiness through Life-Cycle Support of Combat and Weapons systems. Provides ISEA and other Technical Authority functions as assigned including design, production, test, fielding, sustainment, and improvement modifications.
  • CODE 50: Unmanned and Theater Undersea Warfare Systems Department: This Department plans, organizes, directs and controls NUWC Division Keyport's efforts to accelerate the Navy's ubiquitous use of Unmanned Systems with a comprehensive suite of capabilities that sustain operational readiness and promote rapid integration of military utility into the fleet. Provides systems and project engineering leadership for assigned Integrated Warfare Systems technical programs. Provides ISEA and other Technical Authority (TA) functions as assigned including design, production, test, fielding, sustainment, and improvement modifications.

Job Requirements
Junior: A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering, or higher, from an accredited college or university is desired.
Journeyman: A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, or higher, from an accredited college or university is desired. A minimum of four (4) years of experience in electrical engineering for complex systems, including design, development, integration, test, and deployment is desired. A master of science degree in an appropriate field may substitute for two years of experience.
Senior: A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, or higher, from an accredited college or university is desired. A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in electrical engineering for complex systems, including design, development, integration, test, and deployment is desired. A master of science degree in an appropriate field may substitute for two years of experience.
  • Experience in Mechanical Engineering development standards and techniques including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) are desired.
  • Experience with electro-mechanical components / systems, configuration management, and computer aided design (CAD) systems is desired. For example, experience with Solid Edge/Solid Works, or equivalent, risk identification and mitigation, MATLAB, LabVIEW, T&E analysis, electronics packaging design, and tooling and fixturing design.
  • Experience creating manufacturing/assembly drawings using Solid Edge/Solid Works, or equivalent software.
  • Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
  • Ability to create technical documentation using Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat software.

U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance required; current clearance a plus.