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Weapon Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Weapon System Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

Lead engineering component test operations and collaborate with team members in analyzing results and writing technical reports. * Review and support producibility, manufacturability and/or ...

LLNL

Weapon System Engineer

Livermore, CA

Lead engineering component test operations and collaborate with team members in analyzing results and writing technical reports. * Review and support producibility, manufacturability and/or ...

GWYNEDD

Weapon Quality Inspector

North Wales, PA

... assemblies to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, quality standards, customer ... The Weapons Quality Inspector serves as a critical quality gate throughout the manufacturing ...

GWYNEDD

Weapon Quality Inspector

North Wales, PA

... assemblies to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, quality standards, customer ... The Weapons Quality Inspector serves as a critical quality gate throughout the manufacturing ...

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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 Aug 22, 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 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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,377 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Weapon System Engineer

LLNL

Livermore, CA • On-site

$9.7K/wk

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have multiple openings for Weapon System Engineers to support cross-functional engineering activities in support of the Laboratory's nuclear weapon modernization mission. Staff will be responsible for supporting warhead component development and production, delivering mature product definition, and executing production agency qualification activities on time to meet program milestones and national deterrence requirements. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team to bring component, subassembly, and system level designs to sustained rate production. These positions are in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED), within the Engineering Directorate. DTED provides support for Strategic Deterrence (SD) Programs.
Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home up to one day per week.
These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will
  • Utilize comprehensive engineering knowledge and apply relevant experience and broad technical concepts and techniques to resolve complex technical and programmatic issues.
  • Have ownership of component and Product Realization Team documentation including product definition, project plans, qualification plans, design requirement documents, and interface definitions, following standard techniques and methodologies.
  • Lead engineering component test operations and collaborate with team members in analyzing results and writing technical reports.
  • Review and support producibility, manufacturability and/or surveillance process issues, and provide solutions to operational problems of varied complexity.
  • Participate in and lead formal and informal engineering design reviews, multi-site meetings, and program reviews.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level
  • Provide technical expertise in materials science, mechanical and electromechanical design, solving challenges of significant complexity.
  • Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects.
  • Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams in a growing, dynamic environment.
  • Provide guidance and/or formal mentoring to less experienced team members.

Qualifications
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • Familiarity and fundamental knowledge of and experience with requirements development and engineering drawings.
  • Fundamental knowledge of and operational experience with engineering testing processes, and demonstrated ability to conduct data analyses.
  • Familiarity with the transition from design to production.
  • Fundamental knowledge of and/or applied experience with material properties and manufacturing methods.
  • Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment, present and explain technical information.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% time.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level
  • Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of hardware design, fabrication or testing processes.
  • Advanced knowledge of Systems Engineering principles including requirements development and verification.
  • Experience preparing and conducting design/project reviews, as well as performing and completing the subsequent documentation, tracking, and reporting of action items.
  • Experience organizing, directing, and monitoring schedule and budgets for multiple concurrent projects and the ability to reprioritize and change programmatic direction depending on emergent requests.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire
  • Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
  • Ability to interpret specifications and mechanical drawings including Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience in formal production definition releases, configuration management, and Product Lifecycle Management systems.
  • Experience working in the NNSA's nuclear weapons program. Working knowledge of NNSA's Defense Programs Business Process Systems.

Pay Range
$146,340 - $222,564 Annually
$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level
This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Hybrid
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
  • Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
  • Flexible Benefits Package
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
  • Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
Pre-Placement Medical Exam
A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Videos To Watch
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