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Weapons Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$106K - $138K/yr

Lead the operations team comprised of a Weapons Section and a Surveillance Section consisting of Air Surveillance Technicians (AST), Air Battle Manager (ABM), Weapons Directors (WD), Surveillance ...

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$126K - $165K/yr

We have an opening for a Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer . You will plan, manage, and ... Demonstrated ability to manage (organize, direct, and monitor schedule and budgets) multiple ...

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Torch Technologies is seeking a Weapons and Tactics Analyst (SME) to join a team providing tactical ... Direct advanced mission planning using associated geospatial targeting systems. * Serve as the ...

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$126K - $165K/yr

We have an opening for a Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer . You will plan, manage, and ... Demonstrated ability to manage (organize, direct, and monitor schedule and budgets) multiple ...

$110K - $143K/yr

The 2nd Intelligence Analysis Squadron within the National Space Intelligence Center is seeking a Directed Energy Weapons Team Lead position, GG-0132-13. This flight is responsible for assessing ...

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Weapons Director information

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$48K

$124K

$184.5K

How much do weapons director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons director in the United States is $123,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the daily responsibilities of a Weapons Director on the job?

Weapons Directors are responsible for monitoring and directing air defense weapons systems, tracking potential threats, and coordinating the engagement of targets using advanced radar and communications technology. On a typical day, they analyze data from multiple sources, communicate with pilots and ground units, and make rapid, high-stakes decisions to ensure mission success. They often work as part of a larger operations or command team, collaborating closely with other military personnel and specialists. The role requires maintaining situational awareness at all times, conducting planning briefings, and participating in simulations or training exercises to keep skills sharp.

What is a Weapons Director job?

A Weapons Director is responsible for managing and directing air defense and weapons systems to engage hostile threats. They monitor radar displays, communicate with pilots, and coordinate tactics to ensure mission success. Weapons Directors play a critical role in military operations, providing real-time guidance and situational awareness. Their job requires quick decision-making, technical expertise, and strong communication skills to safeguard airspace and support national defense objectives.

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

To excel as a Weapons Director, you need in-depth knowledge of air defense systems, radar operations, and military protocols, generally supported by relevant military training or experience. Familiarity with command-and-control systems, tactical data links, and specialized software is crucial for real-time threat assessment and engagement coordination. Strong decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to perform under high pressure are key soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure the effective coordination of air defense operations and the safety of personnel and assets.

More about Weapons Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Weapons Director jobs? Cities with the most Weapons Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons jobs? The most popular types of Weapons jobs are:
What states have the most Weapons Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weapons Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,955 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Weapons System Engineer

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


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

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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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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