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Weapon System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Systems Engineers

El Segundo, CA

$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 ...

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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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 Aug 14, 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
Infographic showing various Weapon System Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,404 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Staff Systems Engineer, Advanced Effects, Active Clearance

Slope

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$191 - $253/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the Team

We are working on cutting‑edge autonomous airpower systems that need to operate in the most demanding environments. To support our development and deployment tasks, we are building a Model‑Based Systems Engineering team to guide Digital Engineering strategy and complement our Modeling and Simulation, Product Engineering, and Business Development teams. This team will provide Model‑Based Systems Engineering artifacts that will be used in support of product development, delivery, and sustainment of advanced kinetic and non‑kinetic effects and related systems.

What You’ll Do
  • You will be a systems engineer who interfaces with stakeholders including internal programs and external customers.
  • You will develop artifacts based on stakeholder needs and work closely with functional areas to ensure artifacts are complete and accurate. Model artifacts will often be contractual deliverables and require demonstration at stakeholder meetings and events.
  • This role will be critical proving that Anduril offers real Systems Engineering and Mission Systems Integration capabilities.
  • Participate in the development of our Digital and Systems Engineering Strategy and Implementation.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the transformational value of Anduril platforms, autonomy, simulation, and perception products through the creation and maintenance of systems engineering artifacts.
Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, computer science or similar engineering or technical field.
  • 12+ years Systems Engineering Experience across the life cycle. The more, the better.
  • Understanding of aerodynamics and propulsion principles as applied to missile systems.
  • Familiarity with guidance, navigation, and control systems for precision‑guided munitions.
  • Basic knowledge of reliability engineering concepts and practices.
  • Experience with systems testing and evaluation methodologies.
  • Understanding of threat analysis and its role in weapon system design.
  • Exposure to weapon systems integration processes and challenges.
  • Experience with Systems Engineering, Requirements Elicitation and Management, Integration, and Test Activities on complex systems – DoD Weapon Systems, Space Systems, etc…
  • Experience with SysML, DoDAF, UAFP, or similar.
  • Experience developing various model‑based system engineering artifacts – Operational Viewpoints, System Viewpoints, activity diagrams, use case diagrams, BDDs, IBDs, parametric diagrams, etc…
  • Experience with Cameo MagicDraw or similar systems engineering software (Rhapsody, SparxEA, etc…).
  • Experience with Digital Engineering workflows and Integrated Modeling Environments (i.e. Teamwork Cloud).
  • Outstanding communication skills to include presentation of developed artifacts.
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or propulsion system modeling.
  • Familiarity with control system design and implementation for guided weapons.
  • Knowledge of reliability prediction techniques and failure mode analysis.
  • Experience with test planning, execution, and data analysis for complex systems.
  • Mission Modeling experience. For example, working knowledge of OCA/DCA, ISR, SEAD/DEAD, Electronic Attack, or Integrated Fire Control missions.
  • Experience with Cameo Simulation Toolkit plugin for Cameo MagicDraw.
  • Proficiency with Mathworks products (MATLAB, SIMULINK, etc.).
  • INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Certification.

Salary: $191,000 — $253,000 USD

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