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Weapon Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

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 Test ...

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How much do weapon engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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.

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Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist

Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

On-site

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

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 Test Engineer and Scientist, you understand the power behind complex systems. That knowledge is key when it comes to the testing of electro-optic (EO) sensors, lasers, and High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. We're looking for a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist who can use their skills to support the development and testing of state-of-the-art weapon systems to enhance the capabilities of today's warfighter.
Our team supports the design, development, and testing of directed energy weapons to enhance warfighter capabilities. You will directly impact U.S. Navy and Department of War efforts by providing laser, optical, and testing expertise to solve challenging problems and advance the mission. This is a chance to use your experience-based knowledge in optics, lasers, and testing while broadening your skillset into areas like other directed energy weapons systems.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience performing laser weapon testing in laboratory or field environments, including measuring system characteristics such as laser power and beam profiles for both fixed and mobile applications, and designing and implementing local and remote beam diagnostics such as remote target tracking, use of geolocation, and achieving extended ranges with robust RF data links
  • 10+ years of experience developing, designing, or testing tracking systems for any laser weapon systems designed to designate, track, and engage with high energy laser, including with image or signal processing, design of track algorithms such as centroid, leading edge, hot-spot, and contrast tracking, track handoff, sensor fusion and sensor requirements for passive and active tracking design and development, gated imagery, pulsed and continuous wave illuminators, boresight alignment and requirements for tracking, and control architectures
  • 5+ years of experience with U.S. armed services' laser or EO systems research and development programs, including the U.S. Navy
  • 5+ years of experience with optical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power meters, photodiodes, detectors, interferometers, wavefront sensors, spectrometers, or beam profilers
  • 3+ years of experience with laser testing, including test planning, safety and operational procedures, test set up, test conduct, test breakdown, and test documentation
  • Ability to tailor and improve diagnostics to specific requirements such as increasing automation, increasing reliability of data collection, and developing custom controls of instrumentation and data acquisition
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science field such as Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Nice If You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience working with U.S. Navy laser and EO systems
  • 5+ years of experience with HEL systems, ISR EO systems, test and evaluation (T&E), and instrument installation
  • Experience working with design and analysis software such as FRED, Zemax, WaveTrain, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, and creating models using these packages in the design and layout of optical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems
  • Experience with image processing for object tracking and detection, recognition, and identification
  • Experience analyzing the effectiveness of HEL interactions with materials and components, laser propagation theory, and experiments, including modeling and characterizations of laser performance in relevant military environments and ranges
  • Knowledge of practical problems associated with the design, building, integration, and testing of laser weapon systems
  • Master's degree in an Engineering or Science field preferred; Doctorate degree in an Engineering or Science field a plus

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

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Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914

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