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Weapon System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DCS Corporation

DTP-N System Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA

$96K - $120K/yr

Must perform system integration activities throughout the life cycle of the F18 block upgrades ... Weapons integration, project planning, scheduling, document preparation, engineering assessments ...

DCS Corp

DTP-N System Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA

$96K - $120K/yr

Must perform system integration activities throughout the life cycle of the F18 block upgrades ... Weapons integration, project planning, scheduling, document preparation, engineering assessments ...

DCS CORPORATION

DTP-N System Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Must perform system integration activities throughout the life cycle of the F18 block upgrades ... Weapons integration, project planning, scheduling, document preparation, engineering assessments ...

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All JobsWeapon System Engineer JobsWeapon System Engineer Jobs in California

Weapon System Engineer information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$115.4K

$146.1K

How much do weapon system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon system engineer in California is $115,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,600.00 and $131,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Weapon System Engineer?

A Weapon System Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains weapon systems for military or defense applications. They work on integrating various components such as electronics, software, and mechanical parts to ensure the weapon system functions effectively and safely. Their responsibilities often include system analysis, risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with safety and government regulations. Weapon System Engineers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and may also be involved in field testing and troubleshooting.

What are some common challenges faced by Weapon System Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing defense platforms?

Weapon System Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating cutting-edge technologies with legacy defense systems. These challenges can include ensuring compatibility with existing hardware and software, adhering to strict safety and security protocols, and meeting rigorous testing and validation standards. Additionally, coordination with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, electronics specialists, and project managers—is essential to address integration issues and maintain system reliability. Staying updated on industry standards and regulatory requirements also plays a crucial role in successful technology integration.

What is the difference between Weapon System Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectWeapon System EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often with defense or military clearanceBachelor's or higher in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, military facilities, aerospace companiesTechnology firms, manufacturing, aerospace, various industries
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsBroad industry application including tech, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding specialized defense rolesGeneral engineering roles and responsibilities

While both roles involve engineering expertise, Weapon System Engineers focus on designing and integrating military weapon systems, often requiring security clearances and defense industry experience. Systems Engineers have a broader scope, working on complex systems across various industries. The key difference lies in the specialization towards defense and military applications for Weapon System Engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weapon System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weapon System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and sometimes security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and defense industry standards like MIL-STD is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, reliable, and innovative development of defense systems that meet stringent regulatory and operational requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Weapon System Engineer jobs in California? For Weapon System Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapon System Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Weapon System Engineer jobs in California are:
Weapon System Engineer jobs near you
Senior Staff Engineer, Weapons Systems (SD/TX/DC) (R5019)

Senior Staff Engineer, Weapons Systems (SD/TX/DC) (R5019)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site

$170 - $250/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Weapons Systems Engineer to lead the integration, validation, and operational deployment of advanced weapon capabilities on X-Bat. This role directly impacts mission readiness, combat effectiveness, aircraft survivability, and program execution by ensuring weapon systems are successfully integrated, tested, and fielded to operational users.

The engineer will work across the full lifecycle from requirements development through flight test, helping reduce integration risk, accelerate capability delivery, and improve overall mission system performance.

What you'll do:
  • Define weapon system behaviors, operational sequences, and mission workflows to ensure reliable and predictable weapon employment across all phases of operation
  • Develop system architectures, activity diagrams, interface definitions, and functional behaviors for aircraft weapon systems and mission system integration
  • Lead integration of weapon systems, stores management systems, and avionics interfaces while coordinating across software, avionics, flight sciences, mechanical design, and test teams
  • Support lab, ground, and flight test activities to validate system behavior, identify integration issues early, and improve mission system reliability
  • Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action development to reduce integration risk, improve operational readiness, and accelerate capability fielding
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in military aerospace, mission systems, avionics, or weapon systems integration
  • Experience defining system behavior, operational concepts, activity diagrams, or functional architectures for complex aerospace systems
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, and hardware/software integration environments
  • Strong systems engineering, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication skills
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience supporting fighter aircraft, UAV, bomber, or advanced military aircraft programs
  • Experience with MBSE methodologies and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler
  • Background in HIL/SIL integration labs, flight test, or operational weapon system validation
  • Familiarity with airworthiness, cybersecurity, and resilient mission systems
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred
Compensation

$170,000 - $250,000 a year

Employment type

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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