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Weapons Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility requirements for captive carriage and ...

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility requirements for captive carriage and ...

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility requirements for captive carriage and ...

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท 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 ...

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท 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 ...

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Weapons Engineer information

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$68.5K

$87.2K

$103.5K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in the United States is $87,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Weapons Engineer Do?

As a weapons engineer, you design test, analyze, update, and improve military weapons systems, such as missile defense systems, fighter jets, body armor, and conventional weapons. Your duties depend on the type of industry in which you work. Many weapons systems are now very complex, requiring numerous systems and parts. For example, a fighter jet involves input from aerospace engineers or guidance systems design experts and optical engineers. However, many of your responsibilities are the same across industries. You work with teams of engineers in consultation with military experts to identify weaknesses in weapons and prepare prototypes before beginning full production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weapons Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weapons Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and defense industry standards or certifications is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, innovative, and compliant development of advanced weapon systems in a highly regulated field.

What are common challenges Weapons Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary defense projects?

Weapons Engineers often collaborate with specialists in electronics, materials science, software, and systems engineering. One common challenge is integrating complex subsystems to ensure reliability and safety, while meeting strict military specifications. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as projects usually involve cross-functional teams and tight deadlines. Staying updated with evolving technologies and regulations is also crucial for success in this field.

What are weapons engineers and what do they do?

Weapons engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain military weapons and defense systems. Their work involves applying principles of mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering to create advanced weaponry such as missiles, firearms, and defense technologies. Weapons engineers often collaborate with government agencies and defense contractors to ensure that their designs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards. They may also be involved in research and development to innovate new technologies for national security. This career requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and adherence to strict ethical and legal guidelines.

Do weapons engineers make good money?

Weapons engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of ballistics, materials, and defense systems. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and security clearance levels, with many positions offering additional benefits and opportunities for advancement.

What is the difference between Weapons Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectWeapons EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, specialized training in weapon systems, security clearancesBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly a Professional Engineer (PE) license
Work EnvironmentDefense labs, military facilities, research centersManufacturing plants, design firms, industrial settings
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, military technologyAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Weapons Engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing weapon systems within defense and military sectors, often requiring security clearances. Mechanical Engineers work across various industries, designing and analyzing mechanical systems. While both roles involve engineering principles, Weapons Engineers specialize in weaponry and defense applications, whereas Mechanical Engineers have broader applications in general machinery and product design.

What cities are hiring for Weapons Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Weapons Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Weapons Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs? For Weapons Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,185 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Weapons - Engineer

Weapons - Engineer

JT4

Edwards, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

JT4 will be hiring multiple candidates for this position with varying experience and skill levels. Salary ranges will be based on skill level and education. JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility requirements for captive carriage and release/launch of Armament Systems in compliance with MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, and Universal Armament Interface (UAI protocols).

This involves knowledge of electrical interface logic, logical, and logistical compatibility between US and foreign fighter/bomber/UAV aircraft, suspension and release equipment, and stores (including their embedded computer hardware and software systems). Aircraft integration activities, aircraft integration meetings, and aircraft Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) test activities to ensure an operator's perspective of aircraft integration and employment are successfully accomplished for weapon and carriage systems. Airworthiness certification activities, to include participation in testing, flight clearance, safe separation and jettison testing, development of test plans technical reports and data analysis packages evaluating system and subsystem interfaces.

These interfaces include but are not limited to aircraft interfaces, ground subsystem interfaces, and interfaces associated with participant interoperability within the network (characteristics of which include radio frequency (RF), link margin, RF bandwidth and baseband modulation). Responsible for providing real-time support for flight test from a mission control room. Some knowledge in reading bit data, binary, hex, embedded systems, and bus data hierarchy and Python coding.

Ideal candidates will possess: Desired aircraft weapons flight test experience. Ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance with eventual elevation to Top Secret Advanced knowledge and recognized ability in the technical/professional field DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Mission Control Room experience for elevated risk weapons testing Ground test experience Test planning Safety planning Ability to work independently and within team setting Strong communication Ability to become a structures subject matter expert. REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited academic institution and 4 years of related engineering experience or have an accredited Master of Science in Engineering with at least 2 years of related engineering experience or have an accredited doctoral degree in engineering.

The candidate must have mastery of concepts, principles, and practices of engineering that enables the employee to serve as a technical authority on projects relating to the specific programs. The position requires sufficient knowledge and skill to apply the latest developments in engineering to solve problems in the specialty area along with excellent communication and analytical skills. The candidate must have a working knowledge of computer systems and computer-based engineering tools and possess planning/organizing skills.

The position may require the ability to investigate, troubleshoot, and design solutions to problems in operational hardware and software. The candidate must possess a valid, state-issued driver's license. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance up to top secret with special access.

Must be a U.S. citizen. SALARY The expected salary range for this position is $110,000 to 185,000 annually.

Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4, LLC considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market/business considerations when extending an offer. BENEFITS Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Benefits Active on Day 1 Life Insurance Health Savings Accounts/FSA's Disability Insurance Paid Time Off 401(k) Plan Options with Employer Match JT4 will match 50%, up to an 8% contribution 100% Immediate Vesting Tuition Reimbursement OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds), constant sitting with occasional use of computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required. Travel to remote company work locations may be required.

DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified. Tasking is in support of a Federal Government Contract that requires U.S.

citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license, or other licenses/certifications, and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license, or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment. SCC: JENG17, A1412TW


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About JT4

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

JT4 provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. We develop and maintain realistic integrated test and training environments, and prepare our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Las Vegas, NV, US

Year founded

2001

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