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Weapons Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Weapons Infrastructure Project Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$126.10K - $165.40K/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

$126.10K - $165.40K/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 ...

Belcan

Weapons Launcher Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$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 · On-site

$126.10K - $165.40K/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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How much do weapons engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons engineer in the United States is $87,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $96,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Do weapons engineers make good money?

Weapons engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of ballistics, materials, and defense systems. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and security clearance levels, with many positions offering additional benefits and opportunities for advancement.

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 cities are hiring for Weapons Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Weapons Engineer job openings:
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Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,185 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Weapons Systems Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Intrepid, an SPA Company, brings more than 20 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense and U.S. Government, consistently setting the standard for excellence in the federal marketplace. Committed to advancing the mission of the U.S. Warfighter, Intrepid leverages technological superiority to deliver innovative solutions across air, space, land, and sea domains. We are proud to foster a collaborative, dynamic work environment, offering competitive compensation and an industry-leading 401k contribution. Our team is built through merit and achievement, and we're always looking for the best and brightest to join us in our growth. We treat our people like family, we are mission-focused, and we give back! Join us today.

This team member will serve as a Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) providing critical support to the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense Increment 4 (M-SHORAD Inc. 4) and Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI) programs.  This new position will meet critical requirements on these emerging weapon systems.  The ability to integrate quality and reliability programs utilizing industry standards is highly desired.  RAM technical experience on multiple Department of War (DoW) weapon systems including missiles, launchers, radar, and ground support equipment is preferred.  

SPA has an immediate need for a Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) Engineer at Redstone Arsenal, AL. #MC

Responsibilities

Responsible for providing on-site RAM technical guidance to the SHIELD Quality and Reliability Engineering Directorate utilizing their skills in the development, manufacturing, and/or sustainment of weapons systems. Position duties include translating user requirements into technical requirements, RAM acquisition strategy (including knowledge of the DoW Adaptive Acquisition Framework), RAM requirements management, operational/materiel availability model development, design studies and tradeoff analysis, fault detection/isolation analysis, reliability growth plans, RAM predictions and allocations, RAM risk assessment, statistical analysis, failure analysis, contract proposal evaluation, materiel release statements, and development/execution of RAM test plans.

15% travel is required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • MS Degree with 12 years' experience, BS Degree with 14 years' experience, Associate's degree with 15 years' experience or High School graduate with 17 years' experience 
  • Majority of experience must be related to DoW programs and systems
  • Weapons systems experience
  • Active Secret clearance and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications

  • RAM/SHIELD Experience
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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