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Weapon Engineer Jobs (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 ...

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineer in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 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.

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Weapon Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Large-Scale Weapon Systems Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis

Chantilly, VA

$108K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters.  Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF).  Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for a Large-Scale Weapon Systems Engineer.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support a Department of War organization in the development and demonstration of large-scale prototype weapon systems. Will provide critical systems engineering and analytical support, working closely with the program team, FFRDCs/UARCs, and other stakeholders to organize, execute, and evaluate system performance and military utility. Will have an in-depth understanding and direct experience with the multi-domain kill web, including military and intelligence systems used to detect and track targets, rapidly transmit data to fusion centers for assessment, and feed targeting data to platforms and weapons to ensure successful engagements.

  • Provide systems engineering and technical assistance for the development and prototyping of advanced weapon systems.
  • Champion the needs of the warfighter throughout the program lifecycle, from concept to operational testing.
  • Develop and manage project analysis plans, leveraging modeling and simulation, to inform system requirements, validation planning, and investment decisions.
  • Enable integrated, cross-domain sensor-to-shooter architectures and accelerate the Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, and Assess (F2T2EA) cycle.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and validate complex DoW systems, advanced weapon systems, and C4ISR equipment.
  • Maintain deep subject matter expertise on the tools, data formats, interfaces, and organizational units that create, share, and consume targeting data.
  • Participate in project reviews, assess contract deliverables, and coordinate with technical review boards on decisions with broad program impact.
  • Maintain cognizance over technical activities within project sub-IPTs, ensuring horizontal integration of practices across the project.
  • Work with the Program Management team and Chief Engineer to understand priorities and drive project execution in alignment with strategic goals.
  • Develop and deliver high-quality presentations, recommendations, and written communications to explain complex technical designs and analytical findings to program management and stakeholders.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance at time of application
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline
  • 15+ years of experience supporting Department of War operations and/or programs
  • Demonstrated experience with the components of the F2T2EA kill web, including sensor systems, data fusion, command and control (C2), and weapon systems integration
  • Strong understanding of targeting requirements, weapon capabilities, and battle damage assessment (BDA)
  • Able to support routine local travel, occasional CONUS/OCONUS travel
  • Ability to work full-time in a Chantilly, VA office within SCIF/SAPF spaces

Desired Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field
  • Familiarity with digital engineering, AI/ML techniques, and their application to defense systems
  • Proven ability to lead Integrated Product Team (IPT) activities and manage complex, multi-agency initiatives
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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