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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

... weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

... weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

Reliability Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

... weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

... weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

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Weapons Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$62.7K

$79.8K

$94.8K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Tennessee is $79,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $87,900.00 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 are weapons engineers and what do they do?

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Weapons Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Weapons Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Weapons Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in TN? For Weapons Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,850 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Scientist / Nuclear Weapons SME

Scientist / Nuclear Weapons SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE IN GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND.

Relocation Support to the Germantown area may be provided.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expertise in nuclear weapon science to support the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated full-time position with benefits, with work performed primarily at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland. This long-term position may provide relocation support to the Germantown area for those who live outside of the DMV (region encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $175,000 to $190,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Duties:
  • This position requires expert-level knowledge to advise senior DOE management on current technical issues related to the SME's area of expertise in nuclear weapons research (e.g., nuclear weapon design, materials science research, stockpile management, special nuclear materials production, developments relating to improvised nuclear devices, or other areas of expertise)
  • This leadership and policy guidance position requires the ability to lead working groups and develop white papers and presentations
  • This senior professional prepares classification guidance and classification/declassification policy documents and guides in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE Orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), National Security Information (NSI), and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI), including but not limited to the technical areas described below

Requirements

Security Clearance:

Candidate MUST be a United States citizen and have a current DoD Top Secret security clearance or DOE Q security clearance

Education and Experience:

  • Applicant MUST have earned an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a physical science
  • Applicant MUST have hands-on nuclear weapon science experience
  • This position requires excellent writing and verbal communication skills. The individual must demonstrate the ability to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15 (Nelson Denny reading assessment).

Minimum of ten (10) years' total field experience in the subject area of nuclear weapons is required. Hands-on experience with nuclear weapons-related matters such as any of the following is highly valued:

  • Computer Codes and Simulation Tools
  • Nuclear Weapon Design
  • Weapon Science
  • Use Control and other surety aspects of nuclear weapons
  • Knowledge of Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs)
  • Advanced understanding of Radiation Exposure Devices and Radiological Dispersal Devices, including their basic science and technological principles
  • Expert knowledge of programs such as Second Line of Defense to interdict nuclear materials
  • Hands-on knowledge of computer code development to support the nuclear weapon complex is desirable, as is experience with XML computer language
  • Experience working with DOE / NNSA / DoD / DHS / NRC and the national nuclear weapon laboratories

The following are also highly valued:

  • Expertise in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
  • Experience teaching and developing testing and educational materials for subjects such as IND or ICF is highly desirable

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option is available at a company-subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical Plan Options With UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) Match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.