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Weapons Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Moog

Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

The Project Engineer for Turreted Weapons Systems will be working on the design, development, and implementation of turreted weapons systems. The Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring the ...

Moog, Inc.

Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

The Project Engineer for Turreted Weapons Systems will be working on the design, development, and implementation of turreted weapons systems. The Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring the ...

Saalex

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Provide advanced Modeling & Simulation (M&S) support for weapon systems throughout the acquisition ... Analyze engineering and operational data to identify trends, performance characteristics, and areas ...

New

ASEC

Senior Systems Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

As the Senior Systems Engineer, you will provide systems engineering expertise supporting NAVAIR's Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-242). You will support systems ...

New

Saalex

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Provide advanced Modeling & Simulation (M&S) support for weapon systems throughout the acquisition ... Analyze engineering and operational data to identify trends, performance characteristics, and areas ...

New

ASEC, Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

As the Senior Systems Engineer, you will provide systems engineering expertise supporting NAVAIR's Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-242). You will support systems ...

New

Saalex

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Provide advanced Modeling & Simulation (M&S) support for weapon systems throughout the acquisition ... Analyze engineering and operational data to identify trends, performance characteristics, and areas ...

New

Saalex

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$110 - $165/hr

Provide advanced Modeling & Simulation (M&S) support for weapon systems throughout the acquisition ... Analyze engineering and operational data to identify trends, performance characteristics, and areas ...

New

AeroVironment

Sr. Staff Safety Engineer

Moorpark, CA · On-site

Collaborate with systems engineering, design, integration, test, and program management to ensure ... Coordinate and interface with customer safety organizations, weapon system safety boards, fuze ...

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Weapons Engineer information

What is a weapons engineer?

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.

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 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.

Is weapons engineering a good career?

Weapons engineering is a specialized field involving the design, development, and testing of weapon systems, often requiring a background in engineering, physics, or related sciences. It typically offers high-demand skills, security clearances, and competitive salaries, but may involve working in regulated or classified environments. Career prospects depend on industry needs and government contracts, with opportunities in defense, aerospace, and research sectors.

What type of weapons engineers work on weapons?

Weapons engineers who work on weapons typically specialize in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining military or defense-related weapon systems such as firearms, missiles, or explosive devices. They often have backgrounds in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering and may work with advanced tools like CAD software and simulation programs in secure environments.
More about Weapons Engineer jobs

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For Weapons Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

F-35 WIPT Software Integration Engineer

DCS Corporation

Edwards, CA • On-site

$105K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Weapon System Software Integration Engineer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Joint Program Office, Weapons Integration Product Team (WIPT) providing software engineering support for planning, coordinating and evaluating all weapons software-related tasks for integration and certification of USAF, USMC & USN F-35 weapons systems.  This position is located at Eglin AFB, Florida, and is not eligible for telework.

Essential Job Functions:

Plan, coordinate and monitor F-35 aircraft/weapon integration software-related activities for compliance with F-35 System Requirement Documents, Universal Armament Interface Documents, and additional requirements documents as required using software engineering best practices.

Support a team of F-35 Weapon Integrators: monitor, evaluate and provide technical recommendations to ensure software development activities follow standardized processes, and the mechanization of weapons interoperability and functionality are implemented in aircraft software to support warfighter requirements.

Maintain software sustainment oversight for all assigned F-35 Weapons Integration tasks.  Coordinate and synchronize aircraft integration activities and relative roadmaps with the Weapon System Program Offices, Weapon Program Management Offices, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company.

Track all weapon software updates via spreadsheets; provide testing recommendations as required to update certifications with new aircraft and weapon software.

Review all pertinent aircraft and weapon software documentation and provide engineering assessments and recommendations for certification.

Support Joint Interface Control Working Group meetings, Program Management Reviews, Technical Interchange Meetings and IPT status meetings as required.  When required, serve as government interface manager for assigned weapon system software integration.

Review Developmental Test (DT) flight clearances regarding software stores functional assessment (e.g., Software Weapons Integration Release Memorandum; Air Vehicle Software Release Memorandum; Flight Series Data) and provide recommendation to the Government on concurrence or rejection of DT flight clearances.

Coordinate and participate in Mission Systems Integration laboratory, ground and flight tests. Monitor, review and comment on test plans, test procedures, and test results.  Provide inputs to flight test planning; ensure inputs align with data requirements of the Technical Area/Subject Matter Expert(s).

Prepare monthly inputs to F-35 Air Vehicle / Mission Systems (AV/MS) briefings to leadership. 

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required. 

 Must be able to obtain and maintain program security clearances. 

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or STEM related field plus 12 years relevant experience in a Weapon or Aircraft Systems Program Office/Program Management Office. 

Demonstrated experience of 5+ years integrating airborne weapons systems, to include systems/software engineering, test, and/or program management expertise.

Working knowledge of DoW acquisition lifecycle process & relevancy to assigned weapon(s) system.

Demonstrated knowledge of fighter aircraft weapons, practices and policies is preferable.

Demonstrated ability to gather and analyze a variety of weapons program information, make sound judgments concerning weapons integration activities, and effectively communicate recommendations orally and in writing to senior military and government leadership.

Good briefing, interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

Travel: 1-2 times per month with 3-5 days per trip; Foreign travel is unlikely but possible.

Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

Employment Type: Full Time
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About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

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