ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Weapons Engineer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Specialty Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes ... Previous rated Pilot or Weapons System Officer or 10 years experience working operational ...

Saic

Senior Principal Specialty Engineer

Pearl City, HI · On-site

$160 - $200/hr

Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Specialty Engineer to serve in HQ Pacific Air Forces ... Previous rated Pilot or Weapons System Officer or 10 years of working operational requirement ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$111K/yr

You will serve as a SUPERVISORY ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN in the ENGINEERING and PLANNING DEPARTMENT ... weapon control systems, or hull, mechanical and electrical systems to provide fleet technical ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Lead Simulation Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

R0241636 Simulation Engineer, Lead The Opportunity: You build the synthetic worlds that help ... or weapon modeling. * Support capture and proposals with credible technical volumes, BOEs, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWeapons Engineer JobsWeapons Engineer Jobs in Hawaii

Weapons Engineer information

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 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 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 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 expertise in areas like ballistics, materials science, and systems integration, and may work with tools like CAD software and testing facilities.

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 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.

More about Weapons Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in Hawaii?

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

What job categories do people searching Weapons Engineer jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Weapons Engineer jobs in Hawaii are:

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Weapons Engineer jobs?

Cities in Hawaii with the most Weapons Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in HI?

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

Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Principal Specialty Engineer

SAIC

On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614505
Location: Pearl Harbor, HI, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-13
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Specialty Engr
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 25% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Specialty Engineer to serve in HQ Pacific Air Forces (HQ/PACAF), Oahu, Hawaii. Work will be in PACAF A8Z Advanced Programs Division to provide subject matter expertise in technologies applicable to USAF warfighting capabilities and long-term continuity. The successful applicant will steer development of advanced Science and Technology (S&T) programs to transition into Pacific Air Forces, the Combat Air Forces (CAF), and the Department of the Air Force (DAF) writ large. The role coordinates across multiple MAJCOMs, Air Staff and other organizations as required to advocate with intent to field warfighting capabilities across the warfighting portfolio. They will shape PACAF, CAF, and DAF programming strategy to ensure future warfighter requirements are met.
This position is located in Hawaii and requires up to 25% travel to CONUS, Alaska, and Hawaii areas. OCONUS travel possible.
Key duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Act as PACAF/A8Z senior technical advisor supporting program management, requirements definition, technical, and analytical support.
  • Provide operational, technical, and analytical assistance to the USAF Requirements Process and in particular, but not limited to, Special Access Requirements.
  • Regularly interface with OSW, Joint Staff, Air Staff, MAJCOMs, NAFs, AF TENCAP, FFRDCs, and other Government organizations when performing duties associated with PACAF/A8Z.
  • Provide advice and assistance to leadership in the areas of mission needs and requirements analysis, concept of operations development, program tradeoff analysis, program roadmap creation including technology insertion, platform integration, and support planning.
  • Recommend policy changes and support the communication of policy changes.
  • Assist in the drafting, review and implementation of procedures, policy, systems capability definition and requirement documents, and guidance for incorporation into CAF operations.
  • As PACAF representative, participate in working groups, conferences, and meetings as determined by HQ PACAF.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • TS/SCI required to start; must be able to obtain TS/SCI with Poly to maintain employment.
  • ship.
  • Bachelor 's degree with 14 years of military aerospace technology experience or Master's degree and 12 years of experience; or PhD and 9 years of experience.
  • Previous rated Pilot or Weapons System Officer or 10 years experience working operational requirement programs.
  • Three (3) years MAJCOM staff or equivalent experience (above Wing level or sister service equivalent).
  • Five (5) years of SAP experience.
  • Ten (10) years' experience in one or all of the following disciplines: A-A/A-G weapons, electronic warfare, or electronic countermeasure systems.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply