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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

asrcfh

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI

... weapon systems. * i) Design provisions for the addition of auxiliary systems such as power ... Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college, university or ...

asrcfh

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI

... weapon systems. * i) Design provisions for the addition of auxiliary systems such as power ... Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college, university or ...

Oshkosh Corporation

Defense Chief Engineer

Hudson, MI · On-site

Weapon Systems * Combat Vehicle Engineering * Fire Control Systems * Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems * Virtual Environments and Battlefield Systems * Defense AI and Software * Proficiency in ...

DCS CORPORATION

C5ISR Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

Provide engineering and project management support to DoD program offices overseeing the ... weapon-related subsystems, and crew workstation computing devices and assess how these systems ...

DCS CORPORATION

C5ISR Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

Provide engineering and project management support to DoD program offices overseeing the ... weapon-related subsystems, and crew workstation computing devices and assess how these systems ...

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All JobsWeapons Engineer JobsWeapons Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Weapons Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$62.2K

$79.2K

$94K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Michigan is $79,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,300.00 and $87,200.00 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 Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,184 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer -Advanced Manufacturing

Auburn Hills, MI

CrossFire Group
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about CrossFire Groupexternal

$69K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:
  • Perform manufacturing feasibility and Design for Manufacturing/Assembly analysis.
  • Develop process flows, work instructions, standard work, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Analyze production layouts, material flow, equipment utilization, labor requirements, and manufacturing capacity.
  • Evaluate tooling, fixtures, automation, robotics, machinery, and capital equipment.
  • Support new product introduction from prototype through production.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing cost, cycle time, scrap, labor, and capital investment.
  • Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Work with quality, engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to resolve manufacturing issues.
  • Support manufacturing simulation and facility-layout studies where applicable.
  • Prepare technical presentations, engineering reports, cost analyses, and recommendations.
  • Participate in customer meetings and onsite manufacturing assessments.
  • Support defense manufacturing programs and other complex engineered products.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline preferred.
  • 5–10 years of relevant manufacturing/process/industrial engineering experience.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
  • Experience with process development and continuous improvement.
  • Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
Preferred Experience:
  • Defense or aerospace manufacturing.
  • Military vehicles, weapons systems, ammunition, or similar products.
  • Automotive manufacturing.
  • CNC machining, fabrication, welding, stamping, molding, assembly, or advanced manufacturing.
  • Robotics and automation.
  • Tooling and fixture design.
  • Lean manufacturing / Six Sigma.
  • Manufacturing simulation.
  • ProPlanner, FlexSim, Siemens Tecnomatix, or similar software.
  • GD&T and tolerance analysis.
  • Capital equipment justification and ROI analysis.
 
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