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Weapon Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

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 · 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

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

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

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 · 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 ...

IPSecure

UNIX Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Experience engineering and sustaining UNIX/Linux infrastructure supporting Department of the Air Force DCO weapon systems, DAFIN-SOC environments, or comparable 24x7 mission operations. * Advanced ...

New

IPSecure

Virtualization Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

... DCO) Weapon Systems. The position ensures highly available, secure, and resilient virtual ... Minimum of 8 years of enterprise virtualization engineering experience. * Experience supporting ...

IPSecure

Infrastructure Architect II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

... engineering support for the installation, configuration, sustainment, and modernization of ... Install, configure, andmaintainenterprise infrastructure supporting DCO Weapon Systems. * Support ...

IPSecure

Infrastructure Architect III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

The Infrastructure Architect III provides advanced engineering expertise across networking ... weapon systems. * Develop scalable Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service ...

U.S. Navy

Fire Controlman

Lisle, IL

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Electronics Technician

Bensenville, IL

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Advanced Electronics

Summit, IL

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Advanced Electronics

Morton Grove, IL

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Fire Controlman

Willow Springs, IL

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Electronics Technician

Hebron, IN

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Fire Controlman

Bannockburn, IL

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Advanced Electronics

Rolling Meadows, IL

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

U.S. Navy

Advanced Electronics

Hammond, IN

... weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form the backbone of a ship's Combat Systems department aboard carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other surface combatants, as well as at ...

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All JobsWeapon Engineering JobsWeapon Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Weapon Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$89.1K

$125K

$170.5K

How much do weapon engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon engineering in Chicago, IL is $125,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,700.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Is weapon engineering a good career?

Weapon engineering is a specialized field involving the design, development, and testing of weapon systems, often requiring a background in engineering, physics, or related sciences. It typically involves working in secure environments with strict safety and security protocols, and may require security clearances and certifications. The career offers opportunities in defense, aerospace, and government sectors, with a focus on technical skills and problem-solving.

What does a weapon engineer do?

A weapon engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains weapon systems, including firearms, missiles, and other military or defense-related equipment. They often work with specialized tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Their role may also involve analyzing performance data and improving weapon efficiency and safety.

What are popular job titles related to Weapon Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Weapon Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weapon Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Weapon Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Weapon Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,036 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Engineering Duty Officer

U.S. Navy

Chicago, IL • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

ABOUT

The United States Navy’s massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy’s most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on your sharp math and science skills to design, develop and deploy the world’s fiercest ships and smartest integrated warfare systems. Roll up your sleeves, Sailor, because it’s time to put the stealth in submarines and the muscle into the modern combat fleet.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Duty Officers ensure that U.S. Naval and Joint Forces operate and fight with the most capable vessels, systems and equipment possible. Your math and science skills will be vital to constantly improving the Navy’s warfighting capability and maintaining a robust cybersecurity network.

Job responsibilities could include:

  • Conducting research on high-priority operational needs
  • Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and electronic systems into these ships
  • Managing the construction, delivery, maintenance, conversion, overhaul and disposal of ships, submarines and aircraft carriers
  • Overseeing the planning, execution and testing of the repair and modernization of ships and warfare systems

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

All Engineering Duty Officers are required to obtain a Master’s degree in a technical curriculum from the Naval Postgraduate School or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This requirement is completed while serving.

Naval Postgraduate School (With Doctorate Opportunities)

Curriculum Listing:

  • Naval/Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical/Electronics Engineering
  • Space Systems Engineering
  • Combat Systems Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Space Systems Engineering (Applied Physics)
  • Computer Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Curriculum Listing:

  • Naval Construction and Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

High schoolers and current undergraduates interested in becoming an EDO can enter through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) or through the U.S. Naval Academy. It is important to note that EDOs do not have direct accession through the USNA/NROTC commissioning sources. ED accessions are warfare-qualified Officers who are strong performers and academically qualified to pursue a technical Master’s Degree.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Your work as an Engineering Duty Officer is highly valued and can take you virtually anywhere. Most EDOs are stationed at shore commands in Washington, D.C., Norfolk, VA, or San Diego, CA—however, there are opportunities for exciting sea tours around the world in Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time roles as an Engineering Duty Officer in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Engineering Duty Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media

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