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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Weapons Launcher Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$48/hr

Weapons Launcher Test Engineer Pay Rate: Up to $48/hr Location: Manassas, VA Zip Code: 20110 Job Type: 12+ month Contract Start Date: Right Away Keywords: #manassasjobs #testengineer **Must possess ...

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Aerospace Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes ... Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation ...

SAIC

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

Support weapon system modeling and simulation, including 6 DOF (six degrees of freedom) simulation ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics ...

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See Virginia salary details

$66.7K

$84.9K

$100.7K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Virginia is $84,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $93,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Do weapons engineers make good money?

Weapons engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of ballistics, materials, and defense systems. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and security clearance levels, with many positions offering additional benefits and opportunities for advancement.

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.

More about Weapons Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Weapons Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Weapons Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in VA? For Weapons Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,859 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior

Bowhead

King George, VA

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview

Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior (H40-2026-25249)

Bowhead seeks a Weapons Engineering Technician- Senior to support a newly awarded contract in Dahlgren, VA. This contract will provide configuration management (CM), logistics, mechanical and electrical engineering technician services, field service support, project management, drafting and design, technical writing, and acquisition services to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), Unmanned & Expeditionary Weapon Systems (H40) Division and Intelligent Automation (H60) Division.

Responsibilities

Job Duties to include but are not limited to: 

  • Oversee and manage medium size weapons or small munitions operation and testing, maintenance, and sustainment of weapons.
  • Contribute to system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of weapon systems and munition testing.
  • Document design specifications, implementation details, and test results.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Associates Degree (or higher) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering technical discipline or four (4) years of military weapons school focusing on medium size weapons or small munitions operation and testing, maintenance, and sustainment of weapons.
  • Experience in mechanical and electrical technical areas, and understanding engineering drawings and wiring diagrams, operating electronic, electrical, and mechanical test equipment.
  • Experience related to weapons, platform integration, or weapon control systems.
  • Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts
  • Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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