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Weapon Tester Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Weapon Tester information

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.

Infographic showing various Weapon Tester job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Weapons Certification Analyst - Munitions & Weapon Systems with Security Clearance

Indigo Industries, LLC

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Weapons Certification Analyst โ€“ Munitions & Weapon Systems (TS/SCI) Indigo Industries, LLC
Arlington, VA (onsite) or Huntsville, AL (hybrid)
Clearance: TS/SCI | $130,000โ€“$160,000 | Full-Time | Up to 25% travel POSITION SUMMARY: Indigo Industries is seeking a Weapons Certification Analyst to support the certification and qualification of munitions and integrated weapon systems across their lifecycle. In this role, you'll perform the analysis, documentation, and testing coordination that ensures systems meet performance, integration, and certification requirements through development, test, production, and fielding. You'll work directly with government certification authorities, weapons system review boards, and program offices, analyzing test data against MIL-STDs and compiling the certification artifacts that move munitions and weapon systems toward approval and use. This is a role for someone who wants to do certification work as their core focus โ€” not as a side task. WHAT YOU'LL DO: โ€ข Lead certification and qualification efforts for munitions, energetic materials, and integrated weapon systems across the lifecycle
โ€ข Prepare, review, and maintain certification documentation, qualification test plans, and technical data packages
โ€ข Analyze test data and system performance against MIL-STD-1316, MIL-STD-1901, MIL-HDBK-1512, and applicable service certification standards
โ€ข Support platform integration and weapon-to-platform certification โ€” aircraft store certification, seaframe integration, and ground systems
โ€ข Coordinate with government certification authorities, weapons system review boards, and program offices to compile and submit certification artifacts
โ€ข Support qualification and lot acceptance testing (environmental, fuze, functional) and document results
โ€ข Track Insensitive Munitions (IM) qualification, Hazard Classification, and Final (Type) Qualification data
โ€ข Compile inputs for airworthiness and Stores Certification (e.g., SEEK EAGLE) or equivalent service processes
โ€ข Build data packages and briefings for Technical Review Boards, certification working groups, and milestone reviews
โ€ข Manage certification schedules, deliverables, and compliance matrices across multiple concurrent programs REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: โ€ข Active TS/SCI clearance
โ€ข U.S. citizenship
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physical Science, or a related technical field
โ€ข 3+ years in weapons certification, munitions qualification, weapon system integration, or related analysis
โ€ข Working knowledge of DoD weapon certification and qualification processes and the applicable MIL-STDs
โ€ข Hands-on experience preparing certification documentation and analyzing test data PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS โ€ข Master's degree in a technical or engineering discipline
โ€ข Store certification program experience (SEEK EAGLE, ship/submarine weapons certification, or ground vehicle integration)
โ€ข Insensitive Munitions qualification and Hazard Classification testing
โ€ข Fuze certification (MIL-STD-1316) and safety/arming device qualification
โ€ข Strong data analysis, technical writing, and documentation skills WHY INDIGO INDUSTRIES? โ€ข Paid time off โ€” all federal holidays plus three weeks of accrued paid vacation
โ€ข Employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees after a 30-day waiting period (Indigo currently covers the individual premium); full plan details, including dental and vision options, provided at hire
โ€ข Retirement savings โ€” SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% employer matching after a 30-day waiting period