1

Weapons Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Weapons Engineer is expected to be a highly motivated self-starter with an ability to operate effectively in a team of engineers and technicians. General understanding of Universal Armament ...

New

The Nuclear Weapons SME will advise CWMD leadership, intelligence analysts, and interagency partners on nuclear weapons design, development, employment concepts, proliferation risks, and threat ...

Amyx is seeking a highly experienced Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Advisory ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Weapons information

See salary details

$5

$12

$12

How much do weapons jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons in the United States is $12.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $12.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weapons specialist?

Weapons specialists are professionals who are trained in the handling, maintenance, operation, and sometimes the design or modification of various types of weaponry. They may work in the military, law enforcement, private security, or in research and manufacturing roles related to weapons technology. Their expertise is essential for ensuring weapons are used safely and effectively, and they often provide training to others on proper procedures and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weapons engineer?

To thrive as a Weapons Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, ballistics modeling tools, and knowledge of military standards or security clearances are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for innovation and safety in this field. These skills ensure the design, development, and maintenance of safe, effective, and compliant weapons systems.

What are some common challenges faced by weapons engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Weapons engineers often work on multidisciplinary teams, balancing strict safety regulations with innovation and performance requirements. Common challenges include keeping up with evolving technology, ensuring compliance with complex government standards, and managing the confidentiality of sensitive projects. Effective communication, ongoing professional development, and attention to detail are crucial for success in this field. Collaborating closely with defense specialists, product designers, and regulatory bodies helps engineers find practical solutions while maintaining high safety and security standards.

What is the difference between Weapons vs Firearm Specialist?

AspectWeaponsFirearm Specialist
Required CredentialsBasic firearm safety, general knowledgeAdvanced firearm safety, certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, securityGun shops, shooting ranges, law enforcement
Industry UsageBroader term including all weapon typesSpecific focus on firearms and guns
Common Search/ComparisonGeneral weapon knowledgeFirearm-specific expertise

Weapons is a broad term encompassing all types of weaponry, including firearms, knives, and other combat tools. Firearm Specialist, on the other hand, specifically refers to experts with specialized knowledge in guns and firearms. While both roles may work in similar environments like law enforcement or security, Firearm Specialists typically require more advanced training and certifications focused on guns. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What is a job that makes weapons?

A job that makes weapons is typically involved in manufacturing or engineering within the defense or firearms industry. These roles may include firearm designers, manufacturing technicians, or assembly line workers, often requiring knowledge of safety standards, technical skills, and sometimes security clearances.
More about Weapons jobs

What cities are hiring for Weapons jobs?

Cities with the most Weapons job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons jobs?

The most popular types of Weapons jobs are:

What states have the most Weapons jobs?

States with the most job openings for Weapons jobs include:

Infographic showing various Weapons job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,000 per year, or $12.5 per hour.

$79K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has multiple openings for a Weapons Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.
The Weapons Engineer is expected to be a highly motivated self-starter with an ability to operate effectively in a team of engineers and technicians. General understanding of Universal Armament Interface (UAI) compliant MIL-STD-1760 Stores Management Systems (SMS), MIL-STD-1553 and Suspension and Release Equipment (S&RE). Daily activities include evaluating electrical systems, products, components, and applications by designing and testing products. Specific tasks performed in this role are requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution of a weapon system throughout the entire development, demonstration, and production phases.
The successful candidate should possess some familiarization of SMS/S&RE-related hardware and software requirements and in the definition, design, integration, test, and certification (end-to-end development) and operation of SMS and S&RE. The successful candidate must also be familiar with governing standards to include UAI Platform-Store ICD, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653, etc., and have some experience preparing detailed requirements specifications, statements of work, test plans and procedures, certification plans and procedures, performance reports, etc., related to these governing standards.
The successful candidate will be expected to understand all system requirements, develop statements of work, specifications and interface control documents, prepare, monitor and update program schedules, conduct and participate in all related design reviews, and provide technical guidance to the cross-functional team.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) related field with 2 years of experience, OR 1 years of experience with a Masters in STEM
  • Experience with integration and test activities, including test planning, execution, and data analysis
  • Working knowledge of governing standards to include Platform-Store ICD, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760
  • Must have Active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with weapons and payload systems
  • In-depth knowledge of governing standards to include UAI Platform-Store ICD, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653
  • Active Secret clearance with access to Special Program
  • Experience working with weapons and payload systems

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939