1

Weapons Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Software Engineer to join the Advanced Hypersonic Weapons & Guided Munitions Division (E20) to support software development of Naval gun weapons systems in ...

Description SAIC is seeking a Software Engineer to join the Advanced Hypersonic Weapons & Guided Munitions Division (E20) to support software development of Naval gun weapons systems in Dahlgren, VA.

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Software Engineer to join the Advanced Hypersonic Weapons & Guided Munitions Division (E20) to support software development of Naval gun weapons systems in ...

Our team supports the design, development, and testing of directed energy weapons to enhance ... Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science field such as Optics, Physics, or Electrical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Weapons Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$66.7K

$84.9K

$100.7K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 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 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 Virginia? The most popular types of 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:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,859 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

FMS Weapons Lead Systems Engineer

The Air Force Civilian Service

Arlington, VA • On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities for the United States Air Force.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a FMS Weapons Lead Systems Engineer (NH-0801-04) to work for the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Arlington, VA.
VoP (Value of Position): 95
This position can close at any time. Apply Now!
Recruitment, Retention, and Relocation incentives may be available.
Qualifications/Requirements:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive engineer to serve as the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Weapons Lead Systems Engineer and supports the JPO Weapons Integration Lead Engineer within the Air Vehicle (AV) PMO. This person is responsible for the technical, programmatic, airworthiness and certification efforts of all FMS customers' F-35A and F-35B weapons integration activities, to include requirements development, design, analysis, test and evaluation, fleet introduction and capabilities sustainment. The position will be responsible for leading and performing weapons integration tasks for F-35 Air System (AS) in support of FMS customer requirements. This is a supervisory position, leading a multi-person, direct report contractor-government team. The team supports US and foreign-manufactured weapon integration and certification activities across multiple US and foreign weapons family product lines across field sites and between the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin (LM), multiple Service weapon system program offices and US and foreign weapon suppliers. Additionally, the team supports FMS customers' stores airworthiness and certification engineering for developmental and operational flight testing, fleet deliveries, and sustaining engineering for fleet capabilities.
U.S. Citizenship
Obtain maintain a Security clearance
This may be a designated Drug Testing Position
This position requires travel
Bachelor of Science (BS) in engineering discipline (required). Master's degree in engineering (desired).
Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management "Practitioner" certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
Possess minimum of five years' DoD acquisition experience in airborne weapons systems/munitions.
Knowledge of Air Force and Navy weapons certification requirements and airworthiness processes for aircraft and stores is highly desired.
Possess ability to effectively communicate recommendations and employ multi-faceted problem-solving methods to develop effective technical and programmatic solutions.
Possess good briefing skills and interpersonal and/or diplomatic skills are highly desired.
DUTIES:
Provide system engineering and weapons integration management for the FMS customers' weapons to be integrated into their F-35s, to include requirements. development, verification, and certification requirements for store integration.
Coordinate FMS customers' common, partially common and unique weapons requirements and manage integrated schedules with LM/JPO team and routinely report status to leadership.
Evaluate weapons integration and interface design trade studies/design decisions/performance against Israel requirements and mission need requirements.
Coordinate between FMS customer and the prime contractor the requirements, design and integration of weapons/munitions systems hardware and software products, ensuring system requirements are compliant with all export, foreign disclosure, release and security requirements.
Responsible for weapons interfaces and management of Interface Control Documents (ICD's) with the F-35 AS and closure on technical integration issues.
Coordinate across IPTs to perform engineering integration assessments and technical evaluations of the weapons and provide FMS customers' operational limitations and watch items (such as release/separation, flutter, loads, Pilot Vehicle Interface, etc).
Assist in the development and review of F-35 test plans and procedures for the evaluation and certification of FMS customers' weapons for use on their F-35.
Review and analyze test data to determine compliance with F-35 FMS customers' weapons requirements.
Coordinate with FMS customers and external governing agencies/services to ensure consistency in F-35 airworthiness and store certification processes.
Coordinate with F-35 Class Desks, US and Foreign weapons program offices, and US, Partner and FMS Military and Government Weapons SMEs.
Evaluate future weapon requirements and their impact on the F-35 design.
Review Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA), Requests for Information (RFI) and Press Releases for releasability.
Review and assess Deficiency Reports and Software Problem Anomaly Report (SPAR) on their impacts to F-35 weapons integration and design and determine appropriate closure plans.
Coordinate and manage FMS-unique weapons safety risks in conjunction with JPO System Safety, ensuring technical risks are captured and reviewed at risk boards and all relevant and releasable weapons risks are communicated to the FMS customers.
Provide subject matter expertise to the International Directorate FMS Program Managers as required for the execution of all FMS Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).
Supervise and mentor FMS funded civilian personnel assigned to the FMS teams. Accomplish personnel actions (hiring, discipline, appraisals, etc.).
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
U.S. citizenship required. AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. Must be of legal working age.

What Air Force Civilian Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom