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Weapon System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Systems Engineers

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

S. Government weapons system program office. * Professional certification (e.g., Professional Engineer, INCOSE CSEP, ITEA CTEP, Agile PM/PO, etc.). Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The ...

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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 Jul 20, 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
Systems Engineers

Systems Engineers

Science Applications International Corporation

El Segundo, CA

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 210 rated it services

Job description

SAIC's Horizon program is seeking Systems Engineers with varying levels of experience and backgrounds to support the U.S. Space Forces mission of delivering warfighter capability via the Space Systems Command's Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power and Battle Management, Command, Control and Communications weapon system portfolios. Positions are available in El Segundo, California and, or Colorado Springs, Colorado.   

The Horizon program is supporting Government weapon systems program offices with subject matter experts that have a background with the Space-based and, or Ground Systems including Command & Control services. Horizon team members provide systems engineering development and integration expertise in support of various capabilities that protect and defend the Nation's most valuable space assets. Our team is at the forefront of the advising and assisting the Government with their architecture and full lifecycle systems engineering processes that enable key systems (e.g., satellites and their ground systems, ground-based space systems and their command and control capabilities) to meet warfighter needs.  

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Provide Systems Engineering expertise across the entire lifecycle from concept development to operations (for either Space-based, Ground-based space systems and, or the Ground Systems/Command & Control services that operate those capabilities).
  • Provide technical oversight of development efforts (i.e., design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, test, production and sustainment) whether they are traditional acquisition methods (e.g., waterfall, spiral, etc.) or agile/prototype.
  • Develop operational concepts, requirements, and architectural designs; evolve system architectures, conduct and analyze requirements flow down, propose verification methodologies and mitigation approaches.
  • Conduct model-based systems engineering and modeling, simulation and analysis as needed.
  • Conduct and maintain Configuration Management of the program technical baseline.
  • Manage risk management processes and methods for identifying and adjudicating program risk; Conduct analysis to identify program risk areas and recommend/implement risk reduction measures.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

This is you:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering, mathematics, physics or equivalent technical discipline and nine (9) or more years of systems integration and systems engineering related or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with the following:
    • Leading combined hardware/software and, or space/ground integration activities.
    • Using model-based system engineering tools and methods.
    • Systems Architecting and lifecycle support.
    • Implementing agile development techniques.
    • Applying Agile and/or DevOps development processes.
  • Must have an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in the Continuous Evaluation program (if applicable).
  • Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartment Information and Special Access Programs and willing to consent to a Polygraph examination.

Desired Skills: 

  • Advanced degree in engineering, science or related technical field.
  • Experience within the National Security Space and, or the Space Control mission area.
  • Experience working in development environment and, or U.S. Government weapons system program office.
  • Professional certification (e.g., Professional Engineer, INCOSE CSEP, ITEA CTEP, Agile PM/PO, etc.).

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