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Weapons Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The selectee will perform as the Decision Technologies Senior Engineer for a US Navy Weapons Engineering and Program Acquisition Support contract. Responsibilities * Provide systems engineering ...

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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 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.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Weapons Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Weapons Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Engineer jobs? For Weapons Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Weapons Integration Engineer Sr - Level 3

Lockheed Martin

Fort Worth, TX

$99K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

You will be the Weapons Integration Engineer Sr - Level3 for the F35 Weapons Integration Team which is responsible for delivering cuttingedge airtoair weapon capabilities to the world's most advanced fighter.


What You Will Be Doing


As the Weapons Integration Engineer Sr - Level3 you will be responsible for designing, testing, and certifying weapon systems that empower pilots to dominate the skies. You will work handinhand with vendors, program managers, and flight test crews to ensure every integration meets the highest standards of performance and safety.


Your responsibilities will include:



  • Develop system design, test, and certification plans for a variety of airtoair weapons.

  • Execute integration and flighttest activities, analyzing results and driving corrective actions.

  • Assess design changes, identify safety risks, and provide technical mitigation strategies.

  • Produce and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design documents, test plans, and test reports.

  • Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve technical issues and ensure schedule adherence.


What's In It For You


We are committed to supporting your worklife balance and overall wellbeing, offering flexible scheduling options. Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here. Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus - if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.


Who You Are


You are a collaborative, detailoriented engineer with a proven track record in weapons integration and test. Your analytical mindset, strong communication skills, and ability to navigate complex technical environments enable you to turn challenging requirements into reliable, missioncritical solutions. You thrive in a fastpaced, highimpact setting and are driven by the tangible results of keeping our warfighters safe and effective.


Further Information About This Opportunity


MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN -This position is located at a facility that requiresspecial access. The selected candidate must possess an active Secretclearance to start.


Fort Worth, TX
This position is in Fort Worth, TX Discover Fort Worth.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912