1

Weapon Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Weapon Tester information

See salary details

$11

$47

$69

How much do weapon tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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 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 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $98,889 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Weapon Optimization Specialist

Fountain Valley, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

 

About the Company:

At SureFire, our mission is to build the best illumination tools, suppressors, and tactical products no matter the cost to enhance the safety and performance of those who go into harm's way on our behalf. We also provide these same, no-compromise products to our civilian customers who demand the ultimate in quality, innovation, and performance. We strive to continuously expand our business, product line, workforce, and expertise to preserve our place as the premier provider of these cutting-edge products. To achieve this, we will continually expand the depth and quality of the SureFire brand by refining, expanding, and enhancing our product line, and always aspiring to improve our service and professional relationships. We nurture this culture of excellence in everything we do, and treat everyone we deal with employees, customers, and vendors in a fair and ethical manner. We're proud of the quality we produce and the people who produce it, and we're looking for talented individuals who want to make a real impact.


About the Role:

The Weapon Optimization Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing the performance, reliability, and safety of weapon systems through rigorous analysis and testing. This position focuses on evaluating existing weapon designs and identifying opportunities for improvement in performance, accuracy, and durability. The specialist collaborates closely with engineering teams to develop and implement optimization strategies that meet stringent operational requirements. By leveraging data-driven insights, the role ensures that weapon systems perform optimally under diverse conditions. Ultimately, the specialist contributes to advancing performance capabilities while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and safety standards.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct detailed performance assessments and diagnostics on various weapon systems to identify areas for enhancement.
  • Develop and apply weapon testing programs to improve weapon accuracy, reliability, and shootability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, quality assurance, and manufacturing to implement design improvements.
  • Analyze test data and field reports to recommend modifications and validate the effectiveness of optimization efforts.
  • Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
  • Maintain a positive and respectful attitude; cooperate with co-workers, management, internal and external customers, etc.
  • Execute daily process improvement using lean manufacturing methodologies.
  • Maintain work area by the use of 6S principles
  • Work safely at all times and report any unsafe conditions or injuries to your supervisor or manager immediately
  • Other duties, as assigned.


Competencies - To perform the job successfully, the candidate should demonstrate the following: 

  1. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
  2. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  3. Written Communication / Oral Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information; Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  4. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback.
  5. Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  6. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
  7. Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
  8. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  9. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  10. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  11. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
  12. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Experienced with military and law enforcement standards and compliance requirements related to weapon systems.
  • Knowledge of emerging technologies in weapon design, optimization, and shootability.
  • Prior experience working within a defense contractor or government agency preferred.
  • Experience with shooting competitions a plus.


Education 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and/or up to 6 years’ relevant work experience preferred.


Computer Skills

  • Must be proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).


Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • On-site presence required for real-time equipment operation, hands-on production oversight, and safety supervision
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


Pay Range

The hiring range for this role is dependent on experience. The hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements, and geographic location.



Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
  • In this position you will be exposed to following Environment conditions:
    • Work near moving mechanical part
    • Fumes or airborne particles
    • Toxic or caustic chemicals
    • Outdoor weather conditions