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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 ...

Astrion

Systems Engineer - Weapons Integration

FL · On-site

$152K/yr

Overview SYSTEMS ENGINEER - WEAPONS INTEGRATION LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Top Secret; or Secret with ability to obtain Top Secret CERTIFICATION: TRAVEL: As Needed ...

Astrion

Electrical Engineer - Weapons Datalinks

FL · On-site

Overview ELECTRICAL ENGINEER - WEAPONS DATALINKS LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret with ability to obtain Top Secret CERTIFICATION: n/a TRAVEL: 0-10% Astrion has an ...

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Weapons Engineer information

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.

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Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Weapons System Engineer

Weapons System Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$85K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you enthusiastic about utilizing your analytical and technical skills to design and assess advanced weapon systems that support military warfare initiatives?
Are you a systems thinker with experience in systems engineering who is eager to make a significant impact on critical national defense programs?
Do you enjoy engaging with and enhancing intricate weapon systems?
If so, we believe this opportunity may be for you and we think you should apply to join our team at APL. We are seeking a highly motivated early career System Engineer for the development and evaluation of next generation solutions to our nation's premier precision strike system. We need creative and innovative thinkers that will push the boundaries through creativity, and collaboration across a team of engineers to develop enabling technologies for advanced weapon systems
As a Systems Engineer you will...
  • Perform systems level technical analysis, trade studies, and analysis of alternatives
  • Participate in engineering team meetings and overall technical development efforts
  • Support the government sponsor in systems engineering activities such as developing requirements, identifying trade studies, developing interface control documents, developing system architectures, and assessing risks
  • Develop formal communication through systems engineering documents, reports and present results to senior level government sponsors

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
  • Have 1+ years of professional experience related to weapon system development
  • Have experience in early concept development, performance analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for complex systems
  • Have experience developing and customizing system modeling using UML/SysML and associated software
  • Have strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills and ability to interact with sponsor representatives
  • Have experience in system engineering principles and practices
  • Are willing and able to travel periodically to Government and contractor sites within the continental U.S.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Master's degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
  • Have 5+ years of professional experience related to military strike system
  • Have direct experience applying aspects of MBSE in support of system development
  • Have knowledge of DoD Planning, Programming and Budgeting, Acquisition Process/Lifecycle, Research and Development
  • Have experience in weapon control systems, U.S. Navy surface combatants/submarines, Tomahawk or other strike warfare systems
  • Have familiarity with software virtualization and computing infrastructure
  • Have demonstrated ability to interface effectively with government sponsors
  • Can obtain Top Secret clearance or hold an active Top-Secret clearance or above

#LI-AG1
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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