ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Weapon Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWeapon Engineering Jobs

Weapon Engineering information

See salary details

$86.5K

$121.4K

$165.5K

How much do weapon engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,377 per year, or $58.4 per hour.
Weapon Systems Analyst

Weapon Systems Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you eager to join a team tackling some of our Nation's most compelling security challenges?
Do you have a passion for weapon-system concepts and a drive to apply analytical thinking to strategic deterrence and national defense?
Would you like to grow your expertise while helping shape the future of America's most advanced strategic systems?
Do you enjoy working on tough technical problems, learning from seasoned experts, and making a tangible impact?
If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
The System Definition & Validation Group (KBY) in the Force Projection sector of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking motivated analysts, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and systems engineers to fill the role of Weapon System Analyst. The successful candidate will work on complex, multi-disciplinary problems alongside senior experts, gaining the experience and mentorship needed to become a future leader in strategic-systems analysis.
As a Weapons Systems Analyst for KBY you will...
  • Integrate into multidisciplinary teams that apply a "whole-of-system" perspective and systems-engineering rigor to shape platforms that meet current and future warfighter requirements.
  • Support in-depth analyses at the system and sub-system levels, producing data-driven recommendations that inform design decisions.
  • Develop an understanding of how weapon systems function, are tested, operated, and maintained, and how they fit into broader deterrence concepts; you will translate that knowledge into clear guidance for warfighter employment under senior mentorship.
  • Contribute to requirements and architecture reviews, helping evaluate change impacts and safeguard mission performance while learning the fundamentals of system requirements, interfaces, and capabilities.
  • Assist in stakeholder engagement, helping navigate expectations and relationships so program leadership can better satisfy warfighter needs.
  • Continuously expand knowledge of weapon systems, associated delivery platforms, and the system-level engineering processes that support them through on-the-job training, workshops, and self-directed study.
  • Participate in sponsor-support trips (up to 2-4 per year, each ≤ 1 week) and perform local travel for stakeholder meetings as needed.
  • Apply emerging models, simulations, and early-stage assessment tools under the guidance of senior analysts to help accelerate validation and reduce risk.
  • Provide fresh perspectives and analytical rigor, leveraging your technical background to challenge assumptions and contribute innovative ideas.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
  • Possess 2+ years of relevant technical or analytical experience (e.g., work on complex engineering projects, systems analysis, data-driven modeling, or operational research). Experience does not have to be on weapon systems; strong analytical ability and a demonstrated capacity to learn new domains are essential.
  • Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, quantitative analysis capabilities, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly both in writing and orally.
  • Exhibit the right attributes for growth - curiosity, adaptability, teamwork, and a drive to develop deep weapon-system expertise.
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll exceed our minimum requirements with experience in any of the following...
  • Advanced coursework or graduate-level study (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field.
  • Prior exposure to weapon-system concepts (e.g., missiles, bombers, hypersonics, or comparable high-technology platforms) through internships, research projects, or early-career roles.
  • Experience conducting trade-studies, requirements analysis, or system-level modeling in any engineering domain.
  • Familiarity with high-fidelity simulation or model-based systems engineering tools.
  • An active Top-Secret clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

What Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply