1

Weapons Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As the Senior Systems Engineer -Weapons, you will serve as a lead technical authority by providing ... Coordinate with developmental and operational test communities, intelligence organizations, program ...

Systems Engineer Senior

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

The selected candidate will be a member of the F22 System Design team focused on weapons development and integration. As a System Engineer Senior you will be responsible for managing system ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Weapons Development information

See salary details

$18K

$70.3K

$97K

How much do weapons development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons development in the United States is $70,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Weapons Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Weapons Development, a strong background in engineering, physics, or a related technical field is essential, often supported by advanced degrees and security clearance. Experience with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of defense industry standards or certifications like ITAR compliance is commonly required. Effective teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and meticulous attention to detail are crucial soft skills in this position. These qualifications ensure the development of safe, innovative, and reliable systems that meet rigorous regulatory and operational requirements.

What is a Weapons Development job?

A Weapons Development job involves researching, designing, testing, and improving military-grade weaponry and defense systems. Professionals in this field work with engineers, scientists, and military personnel to create advanced technologies for national security and defense applications. The role may involve developing firearms, explosives, missile systems, or cyber and electronic warfare tools. Strong knowledge of materials science, engineering, and physics is often required. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, security clearances and government compliance are typically necessary.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In weapons development, senior roles such as lead engineers, program managers, or defense contractors with extensive experience and security clearances can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. High-level executive positions in defense companies or specialized consulting roles may also achieve this compensation level, often requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, and years of experience.

What types of projects or technologies might I work on as part of a Weapons Development team?

As a professional in Weapons Development, you may work on designing, prototyping, and testing a wide range of defense technologies, including guidance systems, propulsion units, advanced materials, or integrated electronic systems. Projects can vary from conceptual research and feasibility studies to hands-on assembly and field testing, depending on the specific organization's focus. Team members typically collaborate closely with subject matter experts in engineering, software, and project management to meet strict performance and safety standards. This multidisciplinary environment offers a dynamic workload and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in national defense. Career progression often involves increasing responsibilities in leadership, project oversight, or specialized technical expertise.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior weapons development engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas like missile systems or defense technology, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such roles often require security clearances, leadership responsibilities, and work in high-stakes defense environments.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In weapons development, high-paying roles such as senior engineers, project managers, or specialized scientists can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, security clearances, and advanced technical skills. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and work in secure or classified environments.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In weapons development, senior roles such as lead engineers, program managers, or defense contractors with extensive experience and security clearances can earn salaries around $400,000 annually. These positions often require advanced technical skills, specialized certifications, and work in high-security environments or government agencies.
More about Weapons Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Weapons Development jobs? Cities with the most Weapons Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Development jobs? The most popular types of Weapons Development jobs are:
What states have the most Weapons Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,347 per year, or $33.8 per hour.
Program Manager, Weapons - Level 4

Program Manager, Weapons - Level 4

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 382 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

We are Lockheed Martin
The story of aviation has always been the story of people who have the courage to fail, to try again and to one day succeed. Since Lockheed Martin's inception and continuing today, the passion to advance aeronautical design and help our customers achieve mission success has been ingrained in our culture. It is that passion combined with a strategic focus on ever changing global challenges that shapes our path forward.
Program Manager, Weapons - Level 4
A Program Manager performs project management for multiple concurrent domestic & international weapons development contracts for the F-35 program and is aligned under the Vice President for F-35 Development and reports to the Weapons Program Management Office.
What You Will Be Doing
Oversees and manages the operational aspects of ongoing projects and serves as liaison and lead between multiple LM Aero teams and customer.
Reviews status of projects and budgets; manages schedules and prepares status reports.
Tackles program issues, developing resolutions to meet productivity, quality, and client-satisfaction objectives.
Develops mechanisms for monitoring project progress and for intervention and problem solving with project managers, engineers, and clients.
Works with Business Management and Control Account Managers to identify, analyze, and mitigate earned value performance issues and metrics problems.
Leads proposal efforts and negotiations.
Monitors execution to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and cost reductions.
Communicates current status and issues to senior LM, customer, and USG leaders.
Requires occasional travel.
Frequent interaction with multiple project and customer teams and is not suited for telecommuting on an operations normal basis.
Secret Security Clearance Required after start.
What's In It For You
Our employees play an active role in strengthening the quality of life where we live and work by volunteering more than 850,000 hours annually. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:
Medical
Dental
401k
Paid time off
Work/life balance
Career development
Mentorship opportunities
Rewards & recognition
Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.

What Lockheed Martin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Lockheed Martin logo

About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912