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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

In this role, you will lead cross-functional engineering activities across weapon systems, fire control, cybersecurity, and combat systems integration. You will guide day-to-day technical execution ...

In this role, you will lead cross-functional engineering activities across weapon systems, fire control, cybersecurity, and combat systems integration. You will guide day-to-day technical execution ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Tharros is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Weapons or Combat Systems to support NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. These engineers provide senior-level systems engineering expertise for weapon ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Description Tharros is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Weapons or Combat Systems to support NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. These engineers provide senior-level systems engineering ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

These engineers provide senior-level systems engineering expertise for weapon control systems and surface combat, control, and situational awareness systems throughout the full system lifecycle, from ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

These engineers provide senior-level systems engineering expertise for weapon control systems and surface combat, control, and situational awareness systems throughout the full system lifecycle, from ...

Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Operational Conditions Research and Development. Required ... We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded ...

Showing results 41-60

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 22, 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 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 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 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 $84,859 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Senior Weapons Systems Analyst

DCS Corporation

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Contracted support shall provide the following support to
HQMC AVN/OPNAV/NAVAIR : integral technical integration support between various platform offices, PMA-201, PMA-242, PMA-259, and the Advanced Development Team (ADT) to support enhanced aviation weapons capabilities, requirements validation, resourcing, and materiel solutions to include both kinetic and non-kinetic munitions.
Contractor shall provide technical expertise to coordinate capabilities and integration priorities between the weapons PMAs and all platform program offices in support of the development, testing, and fielding of advanced air-launched weapons. Additionally, the contractor shall provide comprehensive Planning, Programming, Budgeting, Execution, and Assessment (PPBEA) support, assisting in the development of Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submissions, issue sheets, and funding alignment strategies to secure and defend program resources. Contractor shall monitor the ongoing progress of all fielding and integration of weapons with specific coordination to deploying assets, provide support to the Naval Munitions Requirements Process (NMRP), manage inputs for the Non-Combat Expenditure Allocation (NCEA), and provide technical oversight for joint-service upgrades in order to maximize common solutions across the Department of the Navy and US Air Force. Serving as the primary support element for the munitions portfolio and lifecycle manager, the contractor shall provide comprehensive subject matter expertise to research, analyze, and respond to any conceivable munitions inquiry from senior leadership or external stakeholders. Contractor shall develop and maintain tracking metrics for compliance, procurement, and inventory of all USMC Aviation weapons. This includes all efforts related to programs of record (POR), Urgent Needs Statements (UNS), and Science & Technology (S&T) pursuits.
Essential Job Functions:
Provide technical Staff assistance necessary to initiate action for the development, funding, and fielding of all Aviation Weapons systems.
Provide technical oversight to monitor research and development in the aviation weapons field on items of potential interest to USMC Aviation, and make recommendations to CD&I for developing new munitions while improving existing equipment intended to satisfy operational requirements.
Recommend studies and analyze data to determine the desired operational characteristics for new weapons systems, and assist in preparing operational requirements and inputs for the annual Naval Munitions Requirements Process (NMRP).
Define shortfalls in the existing aviation weapons portfolio; plan for and roadmap an executable path to improvement that aligns with Project Eagle and outpaces the forecast operational threat.
Recommend force structure and inventory targets regarding advanced weapons capabilities when applied to specific OPLANS, the Total Munitions Requirement (TMR), and national strategic planning for required scenarios.
Monitor and interface with NAVAIR (specifically PMA-201, PMA-242, PMA-259, and the ADT) regarding individual programs of USMC Aviation interest.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise to advise status and reports to the Marine Aviation Weapons Program Lead, DCA, ADCA, and Cunningham Group Director, providing advice on all seams issue requirements for Marine Aviation.
Coordinate all aviation weapons, NCEA, and NMRP issues with counterparts in HQMC, N98, USAF PEO (Weapons), NAVAIRSYSCOM, MARCORSYSCOM, FMF, Joint Staff, DASN (AIR) and OSW.
Provide status to the Aviation Weapons Program Lead, to include project scheduling and tracking, PPBEA/POM cycle alignment, and supporting production technical reviews.
Assist in the conduct of Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs) for new or enhanced aviation weapons systems, defining key performance parameters, cost metrics, and scheduling to evaluate potential material solutions against operational requirements.
Support the development of comprehensive program documentation, including executive-level presentations, progress reports, information papers, and technology transition plans for briefing to senior leadership (DCA, ADCA), OSW, Congress, and industry partners.
Oversee and maintain cognizance over the development of detailed test plans, and coordinate with developmental and operational test agencies to ensure USMC aviation weapons test and evaluation (T&E) and live-fire requirements are adequately forecasted, resourced, and scheduled.
Support the reduction, organization, and analysis of complex data sets gathered from operational testing, tactical demonstrations (TACDEMOs), and predictive models, specifically the NMRP and NCEA, to prepare reports and assessments.
Req
uired Skills:
Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.
A bachelor's degree with at least 12 years of recent relevant experience is required.
Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance.
At least 3 years' experience required working in military aviation. Working knowledge of current USMC Aviation weapons systems is required.
At least 3 years' experience as an action officer or analyst at the senior staff level including development of requirements documents and a working understanding of various funding appropriations and the PPBE process.
Ability to communicate effectively and clearly present analytical data and test results to senior audiences.
Strong writing and speaking skills demonstrated in the preparation and delivery of technical documentation and reports associated with acquisition programs.

DCS logo

About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

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