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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Test Engineer Location: Hill AFB - Clearfield, UT - (O Canvas is seeking a Test Engineer to join ... In this role, you will support the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) and the Sentinel ...

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Weapons Engineer information

See Utah salary details

$63.1K

$80.3K

$95.3K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Utah is $80,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,300.00 and $88,400.00 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 Utah? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in UT? For Weapons Engineer jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,252 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Warhead Systems Engineer

Warhead Systems Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis

Ogden, UT โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.
The Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Group (SIG) supports the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center in the acquisition of the LGM-35A Sentinel (GBSD) ICBM weapon system. SIG delivers program management, systems engineering, and subject matter expertise to ensure on-time delivery of a safe, secure, and reliable strategic nuclear weapon system. SIG is conducting an immediate hire for a Warhead Systems Engineer.
Responsibilities
Responsible for customer support to the Air Force/Government personnel on the Lead Project Officer (LPO) team as they work with the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) Lead Project Officer (LPO) to coordinate nuclear weapon projects and their associated requirements detailed in Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Defense (DoD), and United States Air Force (USAF) directives. This position requires leadership and technical/engineering support to weapon development activities and integration efforts to the Reentry Vehicle and Air Force programs. Areas of responsibility may include monitoring for and mitigation of issues affecting the safety, surety, cybersecurity, or reliability of the weapon. Identification of program and technical risks or management of risk mitigation efforts may be required. Development of detailed briefings for Air Force leadership reporting on the Safety, Surety, Cybersecurity & Reliability Sub-Group status. Able to provide meeting support through (1) meeting minutes and action items (2) Develop and coordinate technical and programmatic agendas for meetings and collect, track and follow-up actions for the customer.
Qualifications
Mandatory Qualifications:
  • Ability to work full-time at Hill AFB in Utah.
  • DoD SECRET clearance or higher, with ability to get TS/SCI/SAP.
  • Bachelors Degree with Engineering or Scientific major.
  • 7+ years of experience in Systems Engineering or other engineering support on nuclear weapons programs.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • STEM graduate Degree.
  • Air Force/DOD/DOE acquisition experience.
  • Air Force Program management experience.
  • 2-3 years of production experience.