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Weapon System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Share Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As a Laser Weapon System ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$80K - $120K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As a Laser Weapon System Test ...

Applied Research Solutions

Weapon System Officer

FL · On-site

The candidate will provide T&E technical and engineering support across the full test spectrum to ... The candidate must have been a Weapons Systems Officer within the last 10 years. The Mission ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

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Weapon System Engineer information

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$116.9K

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How much do weapon system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapon system engineer in the United States is $116,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $133,000.00 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.
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Weapon System Engineer jobs near you
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

Re-posted 14 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

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