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Weapon System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

Description SAIC has a need for a Systems Engineer position to support the Naval Surface Warfare ... The candidate will work with Tactical Operating Environment, in support of Weapon System ...

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Navy AEGIS Combat System Engineer

Escondido, CA · On-site

$109.50K - $150.30K/yr

Duties will include but limited to: - providing technical support to AEGIS Weapon System (AWS ... assessments. - providing engineering services in support of tactical and operational ...

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$40K

$116.9K

$148K

How much do weapon system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Weapon System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Weapon System Engineer job openings:
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Weapon System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapon System Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 30% Physical, and 70% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $116,935 per year, or $56.2 per hour.
Deputy Chief Engineer Weapon System Integration (WSI)

Deputy Chief Engineer Weapon System Integration (WSI)

Vertex

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$159.60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Role Overview: V2X is seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer within the Weapons System Integration (WSI) Team in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Deputy Chief Engineer (CE) serves as the primary technical authority for assigned defense programs, with full accountability for technical execution, risk posture, and design integrity across the program lifecycle. The CE partners closely with Program Managers, customer technical leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure delivery of mission-capable, cost-effective, and compliant solutions aligned to customer requirements, V2X technical standards, and contractual obligations.
Key Responsibilities: As a Deputy Chief Engineer, you will:
  • Serve as the technical authority and design owner for assigned programs.
  • Develop, maintain, and control the technical baseline, architecture, interfaces, and design integrity.
  • Lead cross-disciplinary technical teams across systems, software, hardware, cybersecurity, integration, and test.
  • Act as the customer-facing technical lead for design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and program execution.
  • Identify, assess, and manage technical risks throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Collaborate with the Program Manager to ensure technical cost, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved.
  • Lead technical gate reviews and readiness assessments (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
  • Ensure compliance with applicable standards (DoD, MIL-STD, ITAR, cyber compliance, etc.).
  • Lead resolution of critical technical issues impacting program execution or delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership for proposals, including basis of estimate (BOE), architecture development, and capture support.
  • Partner with V2X functional engineering leadership to ensure application of design processes, specialty engineering, and independent technical assessments.

Leadership Competencies:
  • Strategic technical thinker with ability to balance innovation and disciplined execution.
  • Highly collaborative leader able to work across functional teams, customers, and leadership.
  • Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Decisive problem solver with strong ownership of program's technical posture.

Required Skills
  • Proven technical leadership of multi-disciplinary teams on complex DoD or aerospace programs.
  • Experience with system architecture, design integration, requirements development, and risk management.
  • Proficiency with DoD acquisition lifecycle, systems engineering V-model, and technical review process.

Desired Skills
  • Prior Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or Lead Systems Engineer experience at a major defense integrator.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping, software-enabled solutions, open architectures, or digital engineering approaches.
  • Experience interfacing with senior defense customers, including Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and Program Management (PM) offices.
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD compliance, safety standards, cybersecurity compliance (RMF, NIST).
  • Active Secret clearance preferred

Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline with 15+ years of experience in defense system development, emerging engineering leadership, and program execution.

Master's degree in Engineering preferred.
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