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Weapon Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

That knowledge is key when it comes to the testing of electro-optic (EO) sensors, lasers, and High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. We're looking for a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and ...

That knowledge is key when it comes to the testing of electro-optic (EO) sensors, lasers, and High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. We're looking for a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and ...

Overview SCCI is seeking a System Tester for manned aircraft projects for the Battle Management ... Conduct test evaluation of weapon control systems during development and prior to formal release ...

In this position you will support IV&V testing to ensure conformance of software functionality prior to weapons system application release to the fleet. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ...

Overview SCCI is seeking a System Tester for manned aircraft projects for the Battle Management ... Conduct test evaluation of weapon control systems during development and prior to formal release ...

... for weapon and carriage systems. Airworthiness certification activities, to include participation in testing, flight clearance, safe separation and jettison testing, development of test plans ...

Conduct quality and function testing on weapon assemblies to ensure proper operation and reliability. * Assemble or disassemble firearms and related components as necessary to facilitate inspections ...

... for weapon and carriage systems. Airworthiness certification activities, to include participation in testing, flight clearance, safe separation and jettison testing, development of test plans ...

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Weapon Tester information

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$11

$47

$69

How much do weapon tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapon tester in the United States is $47.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.50 and $56.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs involve weapon testing?

Weapon testers are professionals who evaluate firearms, military equipment, or explosive devices for safety, performance, and reliability. These roles often require knowledge of engineering, safety protocols, and specialized tools, and may involve working in controlled environments such as laboratories or testing ranges.

What is a weapon tester?

Weapon testers are professionals who evaluate the performance, safety, and reliability of weapons, such as firearms or military equipment. They conduct rigorous tests under various conditions to ensure weapons meet specific standards and function as intended. Weapon testers may work for government agencies, defense contractors, or manufacturers, and often collaborate with engineers and safety inspectors. Their work is crucial for identifying flaws, improving designs, and ensuring user safety before weapons are deployed or sold.

What are some common challenges faced by weapon testers when ensuring safety and accuracy during testing procedures?

Weapon testers often face challenges such as adhering to strict safety protocols while working with potentially hazardous equipment and live ammunition. Ensuring the accuracy of test results requires careful calibration of testing instruments and consistent documentation. Additionally, testers must communicate effectively with engineers and designers to report malfunctions or suggest improvements, all while working under tight deadlines. Balancing these responsibilities demands strong attention to detail, technical knowledge, and a collaborative mindset.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weapon tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weapon Tester, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field, often supported by relevant degrees or military experience. Familiarity with testing protocols, data acquisition systems, safety regulations, and specialized software like CAD or ballistics analysis tools is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills are crucial when documenting test results and collaborating with engineers and safety officers. These abilities ensure that weapons are tested safely, reliably, and in compliance with regulatory and performance standards.

What is the difference between Weapon Tester vs Firearms Inspector?

AspectWeapon TesterFirearms Inspector
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, safety trainingSimilar certifications, quality assurance training
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, shooting ranges, field testingManufacturing facilities, quality control labs
Employer & Industry UsageDefense contractors, military, private manufacturersGovernment agencies, manufacturing companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding testing roles, safety standardsQuality control, inspection procedures

Weapon Testers and Firearms Inspectors both work within the firearms industry, often requiring similar certifications and working environments. Weapon Testers focus on evaluating the performance and safety of weapons through testing, while Firearms Inspectors primarily ensure products meet quality standards during manufacturing. Both roles are essential for safety and quality assurance in the firearms industry, but they differ in their specific responsibilities and work settings.

More about Weapon Tester jobs
What states have the most Weapon Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapon Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weapon Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 57% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 42% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,889 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

On-site, Remote

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Remote Work:
No
Job Number:
R0240584
Location:
King George,VA,US
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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 Engineer and Scientist, you understand the power behind complex systems. That knowledge is key when it comes to the testing of electro-optic (EO) sensors, lasers, and High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. We're looking for a Laser Weapon System Test Engineer and Scientist who can use their skills to support the development and testing of state-of-the-art weapon systems to enhance the capabilities of today's warfighter.
Our team supports the design, development, and testing of directed energy weapons to enhance warfighter capabilities. You will directly impact U.S. Navy and Department of War efforts by providing laser, optical, and testing expertise to solve challenging problems and advance the mission. This is a chance to use your experience-based knowledge in optics, lasers, and testing while broadening your skillset into areas like other directed energy weapons systems.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience performing laser weapon testing in laboratory or field environments, including measuring system characteristics such as laser power and beam profiles for both fixed and mobile applications, and designing and implementing local and remote beam diagnostics such as remote target tracking, use of geolocation, and achieving extended ranges with robust RF data links
  • 10+ years of experience developing, designing, or testing tracking systems for any laser weapon systems designed to designate, track, and engage with high energy laser, including with image or signal processing, design of track algorithms such as centroid, leading edge, hot-spot, and contrast tracking, track handoff, sensor fusion and sensor requirements for passive and active tracking design and development, gated imagery, pulsed and continuous wave illuminators, boresight alignment and requirements for tracking, and control architectures
  • 5+ years of experience with U.S. armed services' laser or EO systems research and development programs, including the U.S. Navy
  • 5+ years of experience with optical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power meters, photodiodes, detectors, interferometers, wavefront sensors, spectrometers, or beam profilers
  • 3+ years of experience with laser testing, including test planning, safety and operational procedures, test set up, test conduct, test breakdown, and test documentation
  • Ability to tailor and improve diagnostics to specific requirements such as increasing automation, increasing reliability of data collection, and developing custom controls of instrumentation and data acquisition
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science field such as Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Nice If You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience working with U.S. Navy laser and EO systems
  • 5+ years of experience with HEL systems, ISR EO systems, test and evaluation (T&E), and instrument installation
  • Experience working with design and analysis software such as FRED, Zemax, WaveTrain, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, and creating models using these packages in the design and layout of optical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems
  • Experience with image processing for object tracking and detection, recognition, and identification
  • Experience analyzing the effectiveness of HEL interactions with materials and components, laser propagation theory, and experiments, including modeling and characterizations of laser performance in relevant military environments and ranges
  • Knowledge of practical problems associated with the design, building, integration, and testing of laser weapon systems
  • Master's degree in an Engineering or Science field preferred; Doctorate degree in an Engineering or Science field a plus

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
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About Booz Allen Hamilton

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Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914