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Weapons Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASEC, Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer - Weapons

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Serve as a primary technical interface with fleet users, OPNAV sponsors, contractors, platform PMAs, weapons safety boards, and joint service partners. This description outlines the general nature ...

SAIC

Weapons Systems Data Analyst

Dahlgren, VA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

... agencies, contractors, military personnel. * Ability to define task details, estimates, and ... Experience with Hyper Velocity Weapons preferred. Familiarity with research and development ...

ASEC

Senior Systems Engineer - Weapons

Patuxent River, MD · Hybrid

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Serve as a primary technical interface with fleet users, OPNAV sponsors, contractors, platform PMAs, weapons safety boards, and joint service partners. This description outlines the general nature ...

SAIC

Weapons Systems Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... agencies, contractors, military personnel. * Ability to define task details, estimates, and ... Experience with Hyper Velocity Weapons preferred. Familiarity with research and development ...

Ghostrock LLC

Weapons Tech / MK45 (5245)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$39.78 - $48.13/hr

Ghostrock, LLC , a subsidiary of Three Saints Bay, LLC and a recognized leader in Federal Government contracting, is seeking a Weapons Tech / MK45 to join our team in San Diego, CA. This role ...

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Weapons Contractor information

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How much do weapons contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.

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

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 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 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.
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What states have the most Weapons Contractor jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Weapons Contractor jobs look for?

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Weapons Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,902 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Weapons Systems Test Engineer

Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Description
Do you want to help ensure our Nation's military dominance in the 21st century?
Are you passionate about applying system engineering principles with emphasis on test and evaluation for tactical strike weapons systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join the Weapons Systems Engineering and Survivability Group (KVV) within the Force Projection Sector at APL!
We are seeking a highly motivated Weapons Systems Test Engineer to lead the planning and execution of tests for advanced strike weapon systems.
In this role, you will provide systems engineering expertise throughout system development and drive definition and execution of test and evaluation activities that enable credible verification of advanced strike weapon systems. Your primary responsibility will be to provide systems test engineering expertise to guide test strategy and design, lead test planning and execution, and conduct test reporting and analysis for evaluation of advanced strike weapon systems. This position supports rapid prototyping, system integration, field experimentation and ground / flight test activities for advanced strike weapon systems.
As a Weapons Systems Test Engineer, you will...
  • Lead and contribute to multidisciplinary teams comprised of government sponsors, government labs, industry partners, and other UARCs/FFRDCs focusing on requirements decomposition and analysis, concept/technology development, acquisition, test planning and execution, system evaluation, post test data analysis decision support, and risk assessments.
  • Assess and understand weapon system requirements, architecture and design and their implications to test execution and scenario planning.
  • Develop and maintain test strategy and objectives for ground testing, flight testing, experiments and demonstrations, and software simulations to assess performance and verification of advanced strike weapon systems.
  • Develop test requirements, objectives, plans and schedules for ground and flight tests in support of advanced strike weapon system development activities.
  • Evaluate weapon system performance predictions to assess preliminary performance and range safety implications for flight test feasibility.
  • Coordinate test resource usage both within APL and externally, working with all stakeholders to ensure that facilities, personnel and technical requirements are met.
  • Analyze test results to assess system performance, identify deficiencies, determine root causes, and recommend design and/or test improvements for future development.
  • You will deliver formal presentations and reports to codify technical recommendations and solutions to sponsors and stakeholders, and effectively communicate proposed concepts/solutions and analysis results.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field.
  • Have 3+ years of systems test engineering experience in the development and test and evaluation of complex systems, including one or more of the following: system requirements analysis; understanding system design and architecture; testing and analysis within a weapon/missile system development cycle; system verification and validation; ground / flight test planning and execution.
  • Have shown a demonstrated ability to work on multiple complex program tasks independently with little supervision.
  • Has high-initiative and a willingness to develop new skills.
  • Have demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong critical thinking skills.
  • Have shown ability to interact effectively with and lead multidisciplinary teams, including industry and government sponsors.
  • Are willing and able to travel periodically to sponsor, contractor and test sites (15-20% time).
  • Are able to obtain the associated required Special Access Program (SAP) level access.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret/SCI level 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 an advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field and/or have completed a formal T&E program
  • Have at least 5 years of experience in systems test engineering in the development and test and evaluation of weapons/missile systems.
  • Have familiarity with running modeling and simulation tools such as STK, TAOS, Matlab or other scripting languages (e.g. Python), and analyzing outputs.
  • Have experience with any of the following related to missile programs: environmental testing, interoperability testing, missile test ranges, missile or weapon development programs, and test range instrumentation.
  • Hold an active Top Secret SCI level security clearance.

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 ;br>
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
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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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