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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

Apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, design, develop, implement, test or evaluate military weapons systems. * Review and prepares engineering and technical analyses, reports ...

Logistics Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$52K - $108K/yr

Logistics Engineer The Opportunity: As a logistics manager, you know that every program relies on ... of weapon systems, subsystems, and equipment * Ability to prepare and implement directives to ...

Logistics Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

Logistics Engineer The Opportunity: As a logistics manager, you know that every program relies on ... of weapon systems, subsystems, and equipment * Ability to prepare and implement directives to ...

Logistics Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$69 - $158/hr

... weapon systems, subsystems, and equipment Ability to prepare and implement directives to ensure ... Logistics Engineer The Opportunity: As a logistics manager, you know that every program relies on ...

Logistics Engineer

Wando, SC · On-site

$69 - $158/hr

As a Logistics Engineer on our Integrated International Support Services team, you'll provide ... of weapon systems, subsystems, and equipment * Ability to prepare and implement directives to ...

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Weapons Engineer information

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 popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC?

For Weapons Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

E01-T07 Anti-Tamper Engineer

EXPANSIA

Charleston, SC

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Start Date: Immediate 
JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.     
 
The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. 
 
OVERVIEW 
Full-time/Permanent Employee  
Location: Candidates must be located within 50 miles of the following locations: Patuxent River, MD; Dahlgren, VA; Quantico, VA; Washington, DC; San Diego, CA; China Lake, CA; Crane, IN 

We are actively looking for an AT Engineer to provide Anti-Tamper, System Security Engineering, and acquisition support to the government team lead in support of Anti-Tamper efforts within a major acquisition program. 

 
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Apply engineering principles to investigate, analyze, plan, design, develop, implement, test or evaluate military weapons systems.
  • Review and prepares engineering and technical analyses, reports, change proposals, and other technical documentation.
  • Apply engineering experience to perform functions such as system integration configuration management, quality assurance testing, or acquisition and resource management.
  • Perform technical analysis of anti-tamper capabilities.
  • Collect, complete, organize and interpret technical data relating to weapons system acquisition projects.
  • Engage with programs to assess performance-to-plan and technical risks.
  • Track program/project status and schedules.
  • Perform analysis of project status and generate high quality technical reports and presentations.
  • Communicate with Government team counterparts.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Clearance: Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance 

Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor's degree in an engineering/science field from an accredited university and 6 years of experience in a relevant Engineering/Science field. 

  • 5+ years of experience in Anti-Tamper engineering and implementation.
  • Knowledge of and experience with detailed development of Anti-Tamper capabilities.
  • Must have reverse engineering experience/knowledge.
  • Travel requirements: 50%
PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts associated with all program phases of product development.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic multiple security environment.
  • Experience with NAVAIR Acquisition Programs.
  • Experience with Microsoft office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
  • Experience with DoD Risk and Opportunity management process.
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. 
Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.