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Weapons Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

The Weapons System Engineer will support the development, integration, and lifecycle management of air-to-air (A/A) weapons systems supporting U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Counter Air / Counter Air ...

Experience assessing the research, development, acquisition, test, evaluation and production of foreign weapon systems and equipment; their associated facilities and output levels, knowledge of ...

Experience assessing the research, development, acquisition, test, evaluation and production of foreign weapon systems and equipment; their associated facilities and output levels, knowledge of ...

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The Weapons System Engineer will support the development, integration, and lifecycle management of air-to-air (A/A) weapons systems supporting U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Counter Air / Counter Air ...

Biological Weapons Analyst - Senior

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

Experience assessing the research, development, acquisition, test, evaluation and production of foreign weapon systems and equipment; their associated facilities and output levels, knowledge of ...

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration ... The position requires sufficient knowledge and skill to apply the latest developments in ...

Support ground and flight test anomaly resolution and troubleshooting for F-16 OFP software, subsystem hardware, sensors, and other weapons development integration and test programs. * Assist with ...

Experience assessing the research, development, acquisition, test, evaluation and production of foreign weapon systems and equipment; their associated facilities and output levels, knowledge of ...

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Weapons Development information

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$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.
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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.
Software and Hardware Test Support, Senior F-16 WAM (Secret) - 197

Software and Hardware Test Support, Senior F-16 WAM (Secret) - 197

Credence

Eglin Air Force Base, FL

$100K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview

At Credence, we support our clients' mission-critical needs, powered by technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, including AI/ML, enterprise modernization, and advanced intelligence capabilities, to the largest defense and health federal organizations. Through partnership and trust, we increase mission success for warfighters and secure our nation for a better future. 

We are privately held, are repeatedly recognized as a top place to work, and have been on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the last 12 years. We practice servant leadership and believe that by focusing on the success of our clients, team members, and partners, we all achieve greater success. 

Credence has an immediate opening for a Software and Hardware Test Support at the senior level supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center WAM (AFLCMC/WAM) directorate, F-16 division at Eglin AFB, FL. 

F-16 "Viper" AFLCMC/WAM is headquartered at Hill Air Force Base with units located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, Eglin Air Force Base, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.  The F-16 "Viper" is a multi-role fighter jet delivering air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surveillance capabilities for the United States Air Force (USAF) and Coalition Partners.

The F-16 program has the largest Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in U.S. history producing over 4,500 jets for 24 countries.  Each F-16 FMS case is uniquely tailored to country requirements / development / funding.  Presently, FMS production orders exist through 2030. Additionally, the F-16 program includes the Multi-National Fighter Program (MNFP). MNFP is not a typical FMS program, but a unique, cooperative USAF and development program implemented through the FMS process under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). MNFP began in 1975 with the countries of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway; Portugal joined in 200.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the duties listed below:

  • Assist development of test documentation such as test releases and airworthiness memorandums and shall coordinate test resource scheduling for fighter weapons systems integration test infrastructure, government Development Test and Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) test aircraft instrumentation, configure actions, as well as USAF and other DoD test range facilities. 
  • Will shall assist with collecting required documentation from vendors in the form of software release and safety of flight memos, aircraft and engine operating limitations, as well as aerospace equipment instructions, frequency management data, and shall coordinate any required approvals through the program office and ACC for authorization. 
  • Will assist with creating and interpreting Air Force Form 1067 (requirements document) and Temporary 2 (T-2) modification documentation to include appropriate airworthiness disciplines and military flight release to support ground and flight testing to provide hardware and software fielding recommendations. 
  • Provide technical assistance to develop and coordinate test requirements between the prime, the program office IPT, AFTC, and any other test agency required, to include FAA certifications and approvals necessary to conduct ground or flight test.
  • Support program management, test management and systems engineering for fighter weapons systems OFP software development, test and fielding. 
  • Will assist with development of TEMPs, master test plans, and review of weapon system Contractor and Government DT&E and OT&E test plans and reports. 
  • Will support with use of government flight test deficiency reporting systems (i.e. Joint Deficiency Reporting System) for verification of the description, severity of hazard, and recommendations to support further ground or flight test guidance from TO 00-35D-54, USAF Deficiency Reporting, Investigation, and Resolution.
  • Support developmental and operational test enterprise aircraft tracking and test configuration along with coordination with AFMC on maintenance modifications.
  • Will support ground and flight test anomaly troubleshooting and resolution for hardware, subsystems, sensors, and weapons development integration on test programs. 
  • Will support fighter weapons systems integration including weapons systems integration for air-to-air missiles, air to ground guided and non-guided weapons and defensive pyrotechnics. 
  • Will support flight test programs to assess the performance of aeronautical systems, subsystems, and equipment, to include analysis of technical requirements to ensure test methods and strategies meet the needs of mission requirements.
  • Will support various test support working groups and IPTs such as the F-16 ITT to ensure proper support for ongoing and future test efforts. 
  • Shall support management of the F-16 test aircraft fleet and shall coordinate with depot and other teams to enable installation of test hardware on the necessary test aircraft. 

Requirements

Education, Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Must have an active or current Secret security clearance verifiable in the Defense Information System for Security (DISS).
  • Master's or Doctoral Degree in a related field and a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, at least five (5) of which must be in the DoW/DoD
  • Or Bachelor's Degree in a related field and a minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, five (5) of which must be in the DoW/DoD
  • Or Fifteen (15) years of directly related experience with proper certifications, eight (8) of which must be in the DoW/DoD
  • Recommend a minimum of three (3) years of experience planning or conducting military flight test programs. 
  • Recommend expertise in planning, directing, and integrating all aspects of the test and evaluation functions pertaining to the development, acquisition, and deployment of aeronautical weapons systems.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development