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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer Reports to- Director of Engineering Federal Equipment Company is growing ... We are a leading supplier for marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling ...

Translate user requirements into weapon system requirements which will be used to design, develop ... Support system engineering and program management in conducting and reviewing milestone ...

Operations Analysis Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Primary mission/technology areas include but not limited to platform survivability, weapon systems ... The Operations Analysis Engineer will lead the modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex ...

Senior System Engineer

Fairborn, OH ยท On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Yes Position Overview Sumaria Systems is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to support advanced MQ-9 weapons system engineering efforts at Wright-Patterson AFB. The selected candidate ...

Avionics Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The engineer applies DoD, USAF, and industry-standard engineering principles to ensure Operational ... weapon systems. This position is aligned with PWS Sections 3.5.1 and 3.5.3 and provides both ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Weapons Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$64.1K

$81.6K

$96.9K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Ohio is $81,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $89,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in Ohio? For Weapons Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in OH? For Weapons Engineer jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,585 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

FAA Reliability and Maintainability Engineer, Senior

Colsa

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description


General Summary
Performs Aeronautical engineering duties to support FAA maintenance reliability processes and procedures to optimize the KC-46 maintenance program. Coordinates with the CASS Data Analysts to identify and validate data to assist in maintenance task escalation/de-escalation of the KC-46 maintenance program
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing an effective Reliability and Maintainability (R&M) process that ensures the user's weapon system R&M requirements are clearly defined and achieved with agreement by the mission partner in support of the user's requirements
  • Review the Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) and reliability standard reports; work with G081 database to check failure reporting from the field; and assist with handling all DRs ensuring proper classification and adequate detail for resolution
  • Assist in reviewing the overall system design baseline (architecture and interoperability requirements)
  • Review and analyze OEM technical proposals or modifications for design feasibility and system compatibility
  • Assist in conducting performance effectiveness, cost effectiveness, cost performance, life-cycle cost, producibility, maintainability, supportability, reliability, technical and schedule risk assessments, and scheduling trade-off studies
  • Assist in conducting systems analyses to including but not be limited to system design/design feasibility and state-of-the-art assessments
  • Apply an understanding of DoD, AF, and common engineering/scientific principles, processes, and procedures to improve performance and sustainability of existing and future AF and joint service weapon systems
  • Apply MIL-HDBK-516C Airworthiness Certification Criteria, to aircraft systems and subsystems
  • Support the System Integrity Programs including Mechanical Systems Integrity Program (MECSIP), assist in maintaining and updating the Critical Safety Item (CSI) list, and monitor airworthiness certification for mission partner aircraft
  • Must understand and execute Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 62-6, USAF Airworthiness, associated AFIs and Airworthiness Bulletins through standardized processes and issuance of flight authorizations
  • Assist in translating user requirements into weapons system requirements, which will be used to design, develop, fabricate, test and evaluate weapons systems, subsystems and equipment for eventual fielding and deployment
  • Assist with the development of requirements and technology needs into action plans and policies necessary to improve and retain world class manufacturing, operations, re-manufacturing, and de-militarization/disposal of weapon system capabilities within the USAF
  • Assist in performing technical/mission analyses of existing and future operational requirements, assist in developing system concepts and perform technological/trade-off assessments of proposed designs/modifications
  • Assist in providing rapid response engineering service and support as augmentation to organic resources through in-depth problem identification, impact assessment, and development of corrective actions for critical supportability problems
  • Support and assist in conducting the system safety engineering program, including mishap risk assessments; evaluating contractor safety proposals and safety analyses; evaluating safety concerns of using and support commands; and assisting with resolution of high priority safety issues
  • Assist in performing material solution analyses leading up to design reviews. The Contractor shall assist in producing or supporting development of draft documentation and presentation materials as requested or necessitated by programmatic limits based on cost, schedule, and performance
  • Assist in translating user requirements into system requirements, which will be used to design, develop, fabricate, test and evaluate systems, subsystems, and equipment for deployment
  • Assist in providing support to produce or review products that include the following: technical evaluations/plans; engineering studies, reports, and analyses; and acquisition strategies/plans such as: ICD; Operational Requirements Document (ORD)/CDD; CONOPS; CPD; System Requirements Document (SRD); System Specification; RFPs; System Engineering Plan (SEP); Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP); Test Acceptance Procedures (ATPs); Program Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Evaluation (PESHE); information support plan; PPP; Technology Assessment/Control Plan (TA/CP); emerging technology assessments and Technology Transition Plans (TTPs); Information Assurance Strategy (IAS); Security Classification Guide (SCG); Alternative Live Fire Test and Evaluation Plan; Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA) compliance; Consideration of Technology Issues; Data Management Strategy; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Survivability Assessments; Net-Centric Data Strategy; Spectrum Supportability Determination; Technical Data Rights Strategy; Technology Readiness 3.5.1.2.7 Assessment (TRA); Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA); and other program/technical documents as required
  • Assist in developing and collecting technical data and inputs for staff summary packages and executive briefings to support coordination and signature of all associated documents for milestone approvals
  • Support project team meetings, working groups, and reviews as needed, such as: SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, TCM, TIM, FCA, PCA, PRR, PMR, and other meetings/working groups/reviews as applicable
  • Assist in analyzing equipment and software deficiencies; make recommendations for equipment and software deficiency corrections; and assist in developing, integrating, and testing equipment and software deficiency solutions
  • Assist the USG in the engineering evaluation of prime and subcontractor recommendations for operational and support issues including but not limited to evaluations of Advance Change Study Notices (ACSN), ECPs, Contract Change Proposal (CCPs), FAA bulletins, modification proposals, DMSMS, program risk, and related documents
  • Assist in the development and evaluation of IMP, IMS, and Systems Engineering Detail Schedule (SEDS) engineering cost estimates
  • Perform, as required, an advisory role for program weapon system contractor source selections on all engineering related requirements
  • Assist the USG in the performance of disciplined engineering activities to assure OSS&E for all products
  • Will follow the Life Cycle Systems Engineering (LCSE) and OSS&E related AFIs and all lower-level supplements and related documents including applicable OIs
  • Assist with establishing, implementing, and adhering to LCSE processes to ensure OSS&E compliance is achieved and maintained and aid the Air Force in reviewing and updating the OSS&E baseline document and shall support the Air Force in the identification of OSS&E elements, progress reporting of OSS&E metrics, and interaction with other organizations to ensure continued OSS&E compliance
  • Assist with the implementation of the SEP throughout program operations and advise the USG of pertinent shortfalls or gaps for which corrective actions may be needed.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our "Family of Professionals!" Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits
Required Experience
  • BS degree (or higher) in an ABET accredited engineering discipline, and fifteen (15) years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, five (5) years of which must be in DoD
  • U.S. Citizenship required; Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Possess an in-depth understanding of aircraft structures, flight control surfaces/systems, mechanical and avionics subsystems to evaluate an aircraft integration approach and ensure the viability of the weapon system design and ability to meet airworthiness and performance requirements.
  • Ability to provide technical input on aircraft aerodynamic design and performance as a result of required modifications and integration of mission equipment.
  • Possess in-depth expertise in aircraft structures, subsystems, and mechanical systems to ensure the viability of the weapon system design and aircraft's ability to meet performance requirements. This includes aircraft environmental control systems, aircraft auxiliary/emergency power systems, aerial refueling system, aircraft hydraulic-pneumatic systems and aircraft electrical systems, aircraft subsystems

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.