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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator ... Operating tactical weapons, sensors, and communications equipment * Working with Pilots to operate ...

Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator ... Operating tactical weapons, sensors, and communications equipment * Working with Pilots to operate ...

Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator ... Operating tactical weapons, sensors, and communications equipment * Working with Pilots to operate ...

Showing results 41-60

Weapons Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$72.5K

$92.3K

$109.6K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Portland, OR is $92,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,100.00 and $101,600.00 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 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 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 expertise in areas like ballistics, materials science, and systems integration, and may work with tools like CAD software and testing facilities.

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 popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Weapons Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,293 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

U.S. Navy

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

ABOUT

Act as our eyes and ears in the sky, mapping coasts and ports for Navy intelligence. Gain extensive training in radar, sonar, and air traffic communications. If you feel more at home above the sea than on it, a career in aviation might be for you. Below are some examples of the vast opportunities in this field.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Commercial airlines aren’t the only ones who need traffic management. In the Navy, our fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft need vigilant Air Traffic Controllers to keep flight decks and airstrips in check. As an AC, you work against moving runways, inclement weather and mechanical issues to get personnel safely to the ground. Navy aircraft are

moving all the time, so it’s your responsibility to organize air traffic and communicate critical information to pilots. With extensive training in radar and air traffic communications, this rate is one of the easiest to translate into a civilian career post−service. As an Air Traffic Controller, you can command the skies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful operation of a flight deck on an aircraft carrier is one of the most complex, high−stakes exercises on the planet. It’s no small task to ensure that each aircraft that leaves the flight deck performs its mission successfully and returns home safely. Navy Air Traffic Controllers are essential in directing the everyday complexities above and below the flight deck.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Providing air traffic control services in air traffic control towers, radar air traffic control facilities, fleet area control and surveillance facilities and air operations ashore and afloat
  • Operating radio communication systems and light signals
  • Performing aircraft tactical duties as a flight engineer, loadmaster and/or reel operator
  • Executing handling duties related to the launch and recovery of Naval aircraft
  • Interpreting data shown on radar screens to plot aircraft positions
  • Operating tactical weapons, sensors, and communications equipment
  • Working with Pilots to operate and control aircraft systems

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post−9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before, or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—from airborne aircraft to hangars, hangar decks to flight decks and flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

The role above is an Active Duty opportunity in the Navy, however there are part-time roles available in Air Support for the Navy. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Sailors in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.


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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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