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Weapons Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Join a growing team of EW experts in the Intelligence Community (IC) to support military weapon development and testing. Work directly with intelligence analysts and collaborate with Department of ...

Join a growing team of EW experts in the Intelligence Community (IC) to support military weapon development and testing. Work directly with intelligence analysts and collaborate with Department of ...

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Weapons Development information

See Virginia salary details

$17.8K

$69.7K

$96.2K

How much do weapons development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons development in Virginia is $69,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $89,200.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Weapons Development jobs in Virginia are:
Nuclear Weapons/Homeland Defense CONOPS SME (Military Operations Analyst 5) - 28106

Nuclear Weapons/Homeland Defense CONOPS SME (Military Operations Analyst 5) - 28106

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Suffolk, VA • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 28106
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00
Security Clearance: TS/SCI
Level of Experience: Senior
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Summary
HII Mission Technologies is currently seeking a Nuclear Weapons / Homeland Defense (HLD) Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Joint Staff J7 (JS J7) Joint Concepts, Doctrine, and Education (JCDE) Deputy Directorate's Futures and Concepts Division (FCD) in Suffolk, Virginia. The Nuclear Weapons/HLD CONOPS SME will be the expert in strategic deterrence, nuclear weapons effects, and integrated air and missile defense to lead the development of joint concepts and assess future requirements.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Analyzes and provides recommendations on issues dealing with disciplines such as military command control and communications, electronic warfare, weapon systems, contingency operations, Military Tactics Techniques and Procedures (MTTP), force planning, and training exercises. Coordinates with user community representatives throughout all phases of development concerning requirements definition, clarification, prioritization, and alternatives. Analyzes the conduct and results of operational user training, military maneuvers or simulated wartime operations undertaken to main the capabilities of a force. Compares, analyzes and evaluates the relative merits of program designs and alternatives. Applies emerging doctrine and tactics, whether detailed in formal doctrinal changes or emanating from Advanced Warfighting Experiments (AWEs), Advanced Technology Demonstrations (ATDs), or Force XXI activities, to system design and development. Assesses the impact of programmatic and technical options on stated user requirements and doctrine. Prepares reports and briefs summarizing support requirements, deficiencies, and investments for various programs and systems.
What You Must Have
• 15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 10 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.
• At least 10 years of current Nuclear Weapons and/or Homeland Defense (HLD) CONOPS execution or development experience.
• Recent military experience as a senior nuclear weapons officer.
• Strong background in Joint all domain operations, with specific expertise in the nuclear and HLD domains.
• Proven experience developing threat informed Joint Concepts, CONOPS, and CONEMPs for strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, and homeland defense.
• Expertise conducting detailed analysis of advanced and emerging threats-including hypersonic weapons, ballistic and cruise missiles, and UAS-to inform modernization strategy and investment decisions.
• Ability to lead campaign level analyses and modeling and simulation studies to assess force structure, readiness, and long range investment decisions supporting strategic deterrence and defense.
• Demonstrated experience performing comprehensive portfolio assessments across Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), strategic strike, and related capability areas to identify gaps and recommend investments.
• Skill in developing rigorous analytic frameworks that evaluate and prioritize strategic capability and capacity gaps, underpinning POM development and senior leader advocacy.
• Experience applying advanced operations research methods to produce decision ready recommendations that inform senior DoD deliberations on multi billion dollar programmatic decisions.
• Familiarity with the Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP, formerly JCIDS) and the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process for advocating future capabilities.
• Ability to synthesize joint and multi service strategies, global trends, and operational insights to ensure deterrence and defense concepts align with the evolving threat environment.
• Ability to rapidly adjust to new organizational structures, technologies, and employment constructs to support planning and CONOPS development.
• Excellent project management skills and/or proficiency with the Joint Operational Planning Process (JOPP).
• Ability to think creatively and contribute effectively as part of a high performing team.
• Ability to collaborate with government and contractor stakeholders to clarify objectives, define challenges, and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in secure, confined facilities as required.
• Experience supporting analytical studies related to military operations.
• Active TS/SCI clearance and eligibility for Special Access Program (SAP) access.
Preferred Requirements
• Military Joint Qualified Officer (JQO) designation.
• Graduate of SAMS, SAAS, SAWS, MAWS, JAWS, or an equivalent advanced military education program.
Physical Requirements
May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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