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Weapons Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on ... Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

Key Responsibilities Direct shipboard watch teams and coordinate flight and underway operations; oversee navigation, engineering, weapons, and combat systems readiness; plan and execute maritime ...

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 ...

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Weapons Engineer information

See Reno, NV salary details

$68.7K

$87.4K

$103.7K

How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in Reno, NV is $87,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $96,200.00 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 Reno, NV? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs in Reno, NV are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs in Reno, NV? For Weapons Engineer jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Engineer jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Engineer jobs in Reno, NV are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in Reno, NV as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,379 per year, or $42 per hour.
Engineering Duty Officer

Engineering Duty Officer

U.S. Navy

Sparks, NV • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

ABOUT

The United States Navy’s massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy’s most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on your sharp math and science skills to design, develop and deploy the world’s fiercest ships and smartest integrated warfare systems. Roll up your sleeves, Sailor, because it’s time to put the stealth in submarines and the muscle into the modern combat fleet.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Duty Officers ensure that U.S. Naval and Joint Forces operate and fight with the most capable vessels, systems and equipment possible. Your math and science skills will be vital to constantly improving the Navy’s warfighting capability and maintaining a robust cybersecurity network.

Job responsibilities could include:

  • Conducting research on high-priority operational needs
  • Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and electronic systems into these ships
  • Managing the construction, delivery, maintenance, conversion, overhaul and disposal of ships, submarines and aircraft carriers
  • Overseeing the planning, execution and testing of the repair and modernization of ships and warfare systems

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

All Engineering Duty Officers are required to obtain a Master’s degree in a technical curriculum from the Naval Postgraduate School or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This requirement is completed while serving.

Naval Postgraduate School (With Doctorate Opportunities)

Curriculum Listing:

  • Naval/Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical/Electronics Engineering
  • Space Systems Engineering
  • Combat Systems Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Space Systems Engineering (Applied Physics)
  • Computer Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Curriculum Listing:

  • Naval Construction and Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

High schoolers and current undergraduates interested in becoming an EDO can enter through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) or through the U.S. Naval Academy. It is important to note that EDOs do not have direct accession through the USNA/NROTC commissioning sources. ED accessions are warfare-qualified Officers who are strong performers and academically qualified to pursue a technical Master’s Degree.

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

Your work as an Engineering Duty Officer is highly valued and can take you virtually anywhere. Most EDOs are stationed at shore commands in Washington, D.C., Norfolk, VA, or San Diego, CA—however, there are opportunities for exciting sea tours around the world in Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time roles as an Engineering Duty Officer in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Engineering Duty Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.


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About US Navy

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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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