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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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Weapons Engineer information

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$63.1K

$80.3K

$95.3K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.

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 Utah?

For Weapons Engineer jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,252 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Principal Programs Engineer

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Ogden, UT โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Acquisition Program Engineer supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hill AFB, Utah. This position provides the knowledge and experience to efficiently and effectively deliver weapons systems engineering capabilities in support of the acquisition process.ย ย 

Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Review armament program portfolios to recommend alternative plans, improve systems engineering processes, manage technical baselines, and support system-level testing to ensure performance meets approved specifications.
  • Prepare and evaluate technical documents defining system and subsystem characteristics; conduct program reviews assessing engineering plans, design approaches, and test results.
  • Develop management reports and deliver technical presentations; establish and execute system validation criteria, procedures, and evaluations.
  • Analyze performance results of major weapon systems and provide engineering oversight throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
  • Deliver engineering, technical, and training support across acquisition, development, integration, sustainment, deployment, fielding, installation, and operational phases; contribute to risk management activities aligned with Air Force Systems Engineering Assessment Model (AF SEAM) processes.
  • Conduct engineering trade studies covering performance, cost, reliability, maintainability, producibility, lifecycle cost, risk, and schedule; provide technical recommendations through studies, audits, evaluations, and IPT participation.
  • Support proposal analysis by assessing technical feasibility, compatibility, and cost effectiveness; review and analyze Initial Capabilities Documents, CDDs, CPDs, AoAs, Military Utility Assessments, CONOPS, technology strategies, and configuration audits.
  • Review and analyze system concepts and approved user requirements incorporated into functional, allocated, and product baselines.
Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen

Clearance: Current Secret Clearance

Education and experience:

  • Principal: PhD in related discipline and 25 years of relevant experience; OR Master of Science degree in related discipline AND recognized at national level in a relevant technical field, specialized engineering, or technology area, AND published in the area of expertise and have taught formally in the area (conference/symposium)
  • Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs or similar engineering environments
  • Experience supporting system development, integration, and/or sustainment activities

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with armament systems (air-to-air, air-to-surface munitions, missiles, or related systems)
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle processes and DoDI 5000 series

Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

Technical Skills

  • Risk management and technical problem-solving
  • Configuration management and technical documentation

Interpersonal Skills

  • Ability to operate independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to support complex, mission-critical programs
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Additional Information

Location: Hill AFB, UT

Travel: Travel may be required per the customer's discretion.

Work Environment: Onsite

9/80 work schedule option may be available

#LI-MB1

Company Overview

Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military's operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Employment Type: FULL_TIME