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Weapons Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$126.10K - $165.40K/yr

We have an opening for a Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer . You will plan, manage, and ... This includes planning and budgeting project activities, managing contractors, executing work, and ...

LLNL

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$126.10K - $165.40K/yr

We have an opening for a Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer . You will plan, manage, and ... This includes planning and budgeting project activities, managing contractors, executing work, and ...

LLNL

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$126.10K - $165.40K/yr

We have an opening for a Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer . You will plan, manage, and ... This includes planning and budgeting project activities, managing contractors, executing work, and ...

Belcan

Weapons Launcher Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$48/hr

Weapons Launcher Test Engineer Pay Rate: Up to $48/hr Location: Manassas, VA Zip Code: 20110 Job ... multiple contracting organizations and DoD laboratory entities. * Developing and analyzing test ...

Lockheed Martin

What You Will Be Doing Shall perform a wide range of weapon maintenance, repair, sustainment, other ... Contractor personnel shall travel in support of the task order as required. Why Join Us This ...

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How much do weapons contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons contractor in the United States is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Weapons Contractor, you need a strong background in engineering, manufacturing, or defense technology, often supported by relevant degrees and security clearances. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and compliance with defense regulations like ITAR is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for managing complex projects and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are vital for meeting strict industry standards, maintaining security, and delivering reliable defense solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by weapons contractors when working on defense projects?

Weapons contractors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex government regulations, meeting strict security and compliance standards, and managing tight project deadlines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, project managers, and government officials—is essential to ensure project requirements are met. Additionally, adapting to evolving technology and addressing concerns around safety, ethics, and export controls are ongoing aspects of the role.

What is a weapons contractor?

A weapons contractor is a company or individual that designs, manufactures, or supplies weapons and related systems to governments, primarily for military or defense purposes. These contractors may work on a variety of projects, from firearms and ammunition to advanced missile systems and defense technology. Weapons contractors are often subject to strict government regulations and oversight, and they play a key role in national defense strategies. Their work may also involve research and development, maintenance, and support services for the equipment they provide.

What is the difference between Weapons Contractor vs Armament Specialist?

AspectWeapons ContractorArmament Specialist
CredentialsSecurity clearances, technical certificationsTechnical certifications, security clearances
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense contractors, government facilitiesMilitary bases, defense manufacturing, research labs
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agenciesMilitary units, defense industry companies

Weapons Contractors and Armament Specialists both work within the defense industry, often requiring security clearances and technical expertise. While Weapons Contractors focus on managing contracts, procurement, and project oversight, Armament Specialists are more involved in the technical aspects of weapon systems, maintenance, and testing. Both roles are essential in supporting military and defense operations, but they differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

More about Weapons Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Weapons Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Weapons Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Weapons Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Contractor jobs are:
Weapons Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Contractor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,902 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Weapons System Engineer

Weapons System Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$85K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 56 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you enthusiastic about utilizing your analytical and technical skills to design and assess advanced weapon systems that support military warfare initiatives?
Are you a systems thinker with experience in systems engineering who is eager to make a significant impact on critical national defense programs?
Do you enjoy engaging with and enhancing intricate weapon systems?
If so, we believe this opportunity may be for you and we think you should apply to join our team at APL. We are seeking a highly motivated early career System Engineer for the development and evaluation of next generation solutions to our nation's premier precision strike system. We need creative and innovative thinkers that will push the boundaries through creativity, and collaboration across a team of engineers to develop enabling technologies for advanced weapon systems
As a Systems Engineer you will...
  • Perform systems level technical analysis, trade studies, and analysis of alternatives
  • Participate in engineering team meetings and overall technical development efforts
  • Support the government sponsor in systems engineering activities such as developing requirements, identifying trade studies, developing interface control documents, developing system architectures, and assessing risks
  • Develop formal communication through systems engineering documents, reports and present results to senior level government sponsors

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
  • Have 1+ years of professional experience related to weapon system development
  • Have experience in early concept development, performance analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for complex systems
  • Have experience developing and customizing system modeling using UML/SysML and associated software
  • Have strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills and ability to interact with sponsor representatives
  • Have experience in system engineering principles and practices
  • Are willing and able to travel periodically to Government and contractor sites within the continental U.S.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Master's degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
  • Have 5+ years of professional experience related to military strike system
  • Have direct experience applying aspects of MBSE in support of system development
  • Have knowledge of DoD Planning, Programming and Budgeting, Acquisition Process/Lifecycle, Research and Development
  • Have experience in weapon control systems, U.S. Navy surface combatants/submarines, Tomahawk or other strike warfare systems
  • Have familiarity with software virtualization and computing infrastructure
  • Have demonstrated ability to interface effectively with government sponsors
  • Can obtain Top Secret clearance or hold an active Top-Secret clearance or above

#LI-AG1
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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