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Weapon System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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.

Is weapon system engineering a good career?

Weapon system engineering is a specialized field involving the design, integration, and testing of military weapon systems, often requiring knowledge of electronics, software, and mechanical systems. It offers opportunities in defense contracting, government agencies, and aerospace industries, with roles typically requiring security clearances and advanced technical skills. The career can be stable and well-paying but may involve strict security and confidentiality 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:

Infographic showing various Weapon System Engineer job openings in California 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 $115,404 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Sr Staff Systems Engineer IPTL (AHT)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is currently seeking a Sr Staff Systems Engineer IPTL to support our Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) missile program with our talented Advanced Weapons team. An active Government issued clearance is required to start.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Northridge, CA.

The Lead SE plans and executes system engineering core functions; collects, manages, and reports engineering metrics; and is responsible for V&V of engineering across all program elements (systems/hardware/software/ support/integration and test). Lead SE is typically responsible for ensuring teams have qualified staff to develop and demonstrate technical performance while satisfying allocated cost and schedule requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the full systems engineering lifecycle of missile / weapon system development program(s) and leading at least part of that lifecycle. They will also have the technical depth on one or more of the subsystems of missile/weapon system, e.g., RF/sensors, guidance, navigation, control, telemetry/communication, and airframe. This candidate will work directly with the program's Chief Engineer and Program Execution Manager and collaborate with the various IPTs to ensure the design and development of the different subsystems and the integration of those are technically sound on budget, and on schedule.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensures that the program is adhering to sound engineering processes in the development, production, test and sustainment products for our customers and is compliant with company policy, procedures, and quality standards.
  • Manage the vertical and horizontal technical and performance integration throughout the product teams and program life cycle.
  • Develop and manage key design criteria and technical performance measures
  • Manage the weapon system architecture through application of model-based systems engineering practices and the object-oriented system engineering methodology
  • Manage the performance of system-level verification activities
  • Support the CE and PMO in the status, issues, and challenges.
  • Plan and execute early integration activities with external stakeholders.
  • Plan and execute all test related program reviews such as Test Readiness Reviews.
  • Ensure that key System Engineering milestones and accomplishments are met or completed in accordance with program schedule
  • Perform risk management IAW the program risk management processes
  • Provide subject matter expertise and technical ownership of critical system functions that cross multiple subsystems.
  • Review system/subsystem design documentation and models for technical correctness and completeness.
  • Ensure proper engineering rigor across engineering design activities via process, and documentation/modeling practices (IAW Functional Best Practices and Principles and Operating Practices (PrOP)).
  • Effectively communicate the SiAW weapon system technical baseline to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide support to the Risk and Opportunities Management Board and the resulting risk mitigation and opportunity capture actions.

Basic Qualifications for Senior Staff Systems Engineer - Level 6:

  • Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline and a minimum of fourteen (14) years of engineering experience; or a Master of Science in an engineering discipline and a minimum of twelve (12) years of engineering experience: or PhD and ten (10) years.
  • Experience in Systems Engineering leadership on major Government Systems acquisition programs leading teams of 20 or more
  • Experience with systems integration, test execution, test results documentation, and verification
  • Experience with systems designs with Model-Based Systems Engineering
  • Experience working with customers, end users, hardware design teams, and software design teams
  • Experience in leading complex system/subsystem requirement, design, integration, test, and verification
  • Theoretical knowledge of the System Engineering V-Model and hands on experience executing the systems engineering workflow
  • Mentoring and providing career development direction to junior engineers
  • Current Government Secret security clearance adjudicated within the past 5 years with ability to be cleared for a Special Access Program (SAP)

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Staff Systems Engineer - Level 6:

  • Prior leadership experience in IPT or SEIT Lead roles or equivalent
  • Experience in Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA)
  • Experience in digital engineering
  • Team player with a strong work ethic and initiative to perform in a cross functional team
  • Excellent decision making and communication (written and oral) skills
  • Demonstrated analytical thinking, problem solving skills, and creativity

#LI-MA.

Primary Level Salary Range: $192,800.00 - $289,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939