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Weapon Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASEC, Inc.

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Manage A/A weapon engineering activities, including modeling and simulation, Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) processes, and associated documentation. * Conduct capability gap analysis and ...

ASEC

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

Manage A/A weapon engineering activities, including modeling and simulation, Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) processes, and associated documentation. * Conduct capability gap analysis and ...

JT4 LLC

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA

$110K/yr

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... weapon and carriage systems. Airworthiness certification activities, to include participation in ...

JT4, LLC

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S ... weapon and carriage systems. Airworthiness certification activities, to include participation in ...

DCS Corp

F-35 WIPT Weapon Integration Engineer

Eglin, FL

$95K - $127K/yr

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or STEM related field plus 12 years relevant experience in a Weapon or Aircraft Systems Program Office/Program Management Office. Demonstrated experience of ...

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Weapon Engineering information

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$86.5K

$121.4K

$165.5K

How much do weapon engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineering in the United States is $121,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior weapon engineers or specialized defense engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and expertise in areas like missile systems or aerospace can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and benefits. High-level roles often require security clearances, leadership skills, and proficiency with complex engineering tools and simulations.

What is weapon engineering?

Weapon engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design, development, testing, and maintenance of weapons and defense systems. This discipline combines principles from mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering to create technologies for military and security applications. Weapon engineers work on a wide range of projects, including firearms, explosives, missiles, and advanced defense technologies. They ensure these systems are effective, reliable, and safe to use in various operational environments.

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 an engineering degree and relevant security clearances. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and defense industry standards, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, innovative, and precise development of advanced weapon systems under strict regulatory and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by weapon engineering professionals in a collaborative team environment?

Weapon engineering professionals often work in multidisciplinary teams that include mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and defense specialists. A common challenge is ensuring seamless communication and integration across these diverse areas to meet strict safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Balancing innovation with compliance, adhering to tight project timelines, and maintaining confidentiality are also key aspects of the role. Successful professionals develop strong collaboration and problem-solving skills to navigate these complexities and deliver reliable, effective weapon systems.

How can I become a weapons engineer?

To become a weapons engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field is required, often followed by specialized training or experience in defense systems or armaments. Strong skills in mathematics, computer-aided design (CAD), and familiarity with military standards are important, and security clearances may be necessary for certain positions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of weapon engineering, senior engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and security clearances can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in defense contracting or aerospace industries. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, with compensation reflecting the complexity and security requirements of the work.

What type of engineers work on weapons?

Weapon engineering typically involves mechanical, aerospace, electrical, and systems engineers who design, develop, and test weapon systems and related components. These engineers often work in defense or military industries and require knowledge of materials, electronics, and safety standards.

What is the difference between Weapon Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectWeapon EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Weapon Systems Engineering; possibly security clearancesBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentDefense labs, military facilities, manufacturing plantsFactories, design firms, research labs
Industry UsageMilitary, defense contractors, aerospaceAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Weapon Engineering focuses on designing, developing, and testing weapon systems, often within defense and military contexts. Mechanical Engineering has a broader scope, involving the design and analysis of mechanical systems across various industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Weapon Engineering emphasizes specialized knowledge of weapon systems and security clearances, whereas Mechanical Engineering offers more diverse career paths.

More about Weapon Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Weapon Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Weapon Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Weapon Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapon Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Weapon Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weapon Engineering jobs are:
Weapon Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,377 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior

Bowhead

King George, VA

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview

Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior (H40-2026-25249)

Bowhead seeks a Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior to support a newly awarded contract in Dahlgren, VA. This contract will provide configuration management (CM), logistics, mechanical and electrical engineering technician services, field service support, project management, drafting and design, technical writing, and acquisition services to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), Unmanned & Expeditionary Weapon Systems (H40) Division and Intelligent Automation (H60) Division.

Responsibilities

Job Duties to include but are not limited to: 

  • Oversee and manage medium size weapons or small munitions operation and testing, maintenance, and sustainment of weapons.
  • Contribute to system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of weapon systems and munition testing.
  • Document design specifications, implementation details, and test results.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Associates Degree (or higher) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering technical discipline or four (4) years of military weapons school focusing on medium size weapons or small munitions operation and testing, maintenance, and sustainment of weapons.
  • Experience in mechanical and electrical technical areas, and understanding engineering drawings and wiring diagrams, operating electronic, electrical, and mechanical test equipment.
  • Experience related to weapons, platform integration, or weapon control systems.
  • Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts
  • Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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