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Weapons Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASEC

Senior Systems Engineer - Weapons

Patuxent River, MD · Hybrid

$170K - $185K/yr

As the Senior Systems Engineer -Weapons, you will serve as a lead technical authority by providing expert engineering oversight, systems integration leadership, and full lifecycle support for NAVAIR ...

Belcan

Weapons Launcher Test Engineer

Manassas, VA

$48/hr

Weapons Launcher Test Engineer Pay Rate: Up to $48/hr Location: Manassas, VA Zip Code: 20110 Job Type: 12+ month Contract Start Date: Right Away Keywords: #manassasjobs #testengineer **Must possess ...

LLNL

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA

$126K - $165K/yr

We have an opening for a Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer . You will plan, manage, and execute equipment recapitalization projects to support weapons infrastructure. The infrastructure ...

LLNL

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$126K - $165K/yr

We have an opening for a Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer . You will plan, manage, and execute equipment recapitalization projects to support weapons infrastructure. The infrastructure ...

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Weapons Engineer information

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Weapons engineering is a field that values skills, experience, and continuous learning over age. Many engineers start or transition into the profession later in life, and relevant technical skills, certifications, and a strong work ethic are often more important than age. Age should not be a barrier to pursuing a career in engineering if you meet the necessary qualifications and stay current with industry developments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior weapons engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and security clearances, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and profit sharing. High-level roles in defense contractors or aerospace companies tend to offer these compensation levels for engineers with advanced expertise in systems design, missile technology, or cybersecurity within the defense industry.

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 does a weapon engineer do?

A weapon engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains weapon systems, including firearms, missiles, and other military or defense-related technology. They often work with specialized tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards to ensure functionality and safety of weapon systems.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior weapons engineers, aerospace engineers, and systems engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in defense, aerospace, or high-tech industries. These roles often require advanced degrees, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities.

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.

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Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 80% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Senior Systems Engineer - Weapons

Senior Systems Engineer - Weapons

ASEC, Inc.

Patuxent River, MD • On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Location: NAS Patuxent River, MD
Security Clearance Requirement: Active Secret
Telework Eligible? No
What You'll Do:
As the Senior Systems Engineer -Weapons, you will serve as a lead technical authority by providing expert engineering oversight, systems integration leadership, and full lifecycle support for NAVAIR's Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-242). This role requires deep technical expertise in weapons system design and platform integration, comprehensive knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, and the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, logistics, program management, test, and fleet communities.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide senior-level technical guidance and mentorship to PMA-242 leadership and IPTLs on assigned weapon systems, subsystems, interfaces, and mission capabilities.
  • Lead Systems Engineering Technical Reviews (SETRs), requirements development, system architecture, risk management, and configuration management activities.
  • Conduct gap analyses aligned with warfighter needs to deliver traceable capability requirements for current and future weapons roadmaps.
  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in all aspects of the weapons development and acquisition lifecycle.
  • Guide requirements definition, capability roadmapping, and integration planning for emerging DoD strike weapons.
  • Coordinate with developmental and operational test communities, intelligence organizations, program offices, NAVAIR, JPO, industry partners, and fleet/combat air forces.
  • Lead risk assessment activities related to aircraft and system-of-systems integration.
  • Serve as a primary technical interface with fleet users, OPNAV sponsors, contractors, platform PMAs, weapons safety boards, and joint service partners.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.
Requirements
What You'll Bring:
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, or a related technical discipline is required. Master's degree is preferred.
  • At least 10 years of experience in weapons systems engineering within DoD or a comparable environment is required. A master's degree and 8 years of experience may be considered.
  • Demonstrated experience in the DoD acquisition of guided missiles or other complex weapons is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. Navy or Marine Corps aircraft weapon integration, MIL-STD environments, and stores airworthiness and certification processes.
  • Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs and familiarity with DoD 5000-series instructions.

Equally Important:
  • Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.
  • Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.
  • Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently.
  • Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
  • Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

ASEC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.
Security Clearance Requirement:
  • This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Secret clearance. Selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Salary Range:
  • The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $170,000 - $185,000 annually, commensurate with an individual's experience, qualifications, and skill set. ASEC is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation.

Who We Are:
ASEC offers meaningful, mission-driven work within a culture that supports your professional and personal growth. We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering, information technology, training, and logistics. Above all, we are committed to doing what's right for the Warfighter-plain and simple. Explore what makes ASEC different by visiting our website.
Why work at ASEC?
  • 100% employee-owned company. Learn more about our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) here !
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, disability insurance, and more!
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate education
  • Veteran-friendly employer
  • Thriving employee culture

Not the right opportunity for you? Send this job posting to a friend!
ASEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), or any other status protected by law.
ASEC also complies with all applicable pay transparency laws and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation.

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