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Weapons Engineer information

See Connecticut salary details

$67.3K

$85.7K

$101.7K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Connecticut is $85,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,100.00 and $94,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
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Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,684 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Strategic Weapon Systems (SWS) Test Engineer

Groton, CT • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Socket.devexternal

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Strategic Weapons System Test Engineer must proactively prepare for and execute assigned Strategic Weapon System Testing for the COLUMBIA new construction submarine, in a safe and efficient manner. This position will be on 2nd or 3rd shift.

Specific responsibilities include:

Conduct thorough job hazard analyses and briefings to ensure personnel and equipment safety. Ensure proper safety tagout and re-entry control procedures are in place and strictly adhered to. Certify all prerequisites are fully met prior to commencing a test.

Evaluate recorded data for conformance to test procedure requirements/specifications. Conduct effective shift turnovers to maximize downstream work efficiency. Verify retest requirements are properly executed & certified. Document, publish and track test delays and non-conformances. Perform Test Procedure review for accuracy and completeness. Lead test execution, and manage effective test data collection/certification. Qualify as, and execute all duties of a Test Director & Shift Test Director. Test Engineers will report directly to their Test Supervisor or Assistant Chief Test Engineer (ACTE).

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Coordination of Testing Between interfacing test departments (D972, D272, D441, D278, D445)
  • Testing of Piping Systems & Tanks (Hydrostatic, Cleanliness Flushes & Operational Testing)
  • Hydraulic Operations (Missile Tube Muzzle Hatches, Valve Operations & Timing of Control Valves)
  • Electrical Cable Integrity Checks
  • Tracking Trade Installations via Test Inspection Reports
  • Support GFE Component Installation and Inspections
  • Support extended testing durations and shift work (1st, 2nd and 3rd) as required to minimize schedule impacts.
  • Process Ripouts for Re-Entry Control establishing safety tagouts & retest requirements
  • Perform Testing IAW Columbia Integrated Test Requirements Outline (ITRO) and Strategic Weapon System Test Execution Plan (SWSTEP)
  • Qualify as a SWS Test Director and SWS Shift Test Director
Qualifications

Required:

  • 2+ years of System test experience or Technical background
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Preferred:

  • Mechanical system test experience to include fluid or air system flush and hydrostatic testing, or:
  • Electrical/Electronic system test experience, including fiber optic cabling
  • Electromechanical system operation and grooming
  • Previous Shipyard supervision, test or equivalent Navy experience
  • Experience with the Navy Tagout system and/or Non-shipboard Lockout Tagout system
Skills

Skills:

  • Proficiency in management of multiple tasks
  • Coordination and direction of cross functional teams
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and logical thinking
  • Ability to plan and work closely with engineering and design
Physical Qualifications

Climbing, Crawling, Kneeling, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Twisting

Environmental Attributes

Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily, Outside, Wet

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