1

Weapons Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Air to Ground Weapon Expert to join our team in Arlington, VA . This is an onsite position at Headquarters Air Force A5 in the Pentagon. The ...

Provide expert-level technical and analytic support on nuclear weapons systems, nuclear materials, and associated threat vectors. *Analyze state and non-state actor nuclear weapons capabilities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Weapons Expert information

See salary details

$9

$41

$99

How much do weapons expert jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons expert in the United States is $41.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $56.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Weapons Experts face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Weapons Experts often work closely with engineers, safety officers, military personnel, and regulatory bodies. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across teams with different technical backgrounds and priorities, especially regarding safety protocols and technical specifications. Additionally, balancing innovation with strict compliance requirements can be demanding. Effective collaboration and adaptability are crucial for navigating these challenges while contributing valuable expertise to the team's objectives.

What is a weapons expert?

A weapons expert is a professional who has specialized knowledge and training in the use, handling, maintenance, and often the history or legality of various types of weaponry, such as firearms, explosives, or edged weapons. They may work in law enforcement, the military, private security, or as consultants in legal cases or film productions. Their expertise can include ballistics, safe storage, proper operation, and the effects of different weapons. Weapons experts are often called upon to provide training, conduct investigations, or offer expert testimony in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weapons Expert, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weapons Expert, you need in-depth knowledge of firearms, explosives, ballistics, and weapon systems, often supported by military, law enforcement, or engineering backgrounds. Familiarity with specialized technical tools, weapon inspection systems, and relevant certifications such as armorer courses or security clearances is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set exceptional professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and effective assessment or deployment of weaponry in high-stakes environments.

What is the difference between Weapons Expert vs Ballistics Specialist?

AspectWeapons ExpertBallistics Specialist
CredentialsFirearms certifications, law enforcement or military trainingForensic science degrees, firearms and projectile analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, security agenciesForensic labs, crime scene investigations, research facilities
Industry UsageSecurity, defense, law enforcementForensic science, criminal investigations
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding firearm expertise and applicationAnalyzing projectile behavior and forensic evidence

While both roles involve firearms and projectile knowledge, a Weapons Expert focuses on firearm operation, handling, and application, often within security or military contexts. A Ballistics Specialist specializes in analyzing projectile behavior, forensic evidence, and crime scene investigation. The two roles complement each other but serve different purposes within the firearms and forensic industries.

What states have the most Weapons Expert jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Expert jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weapons Expert job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,380 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Air to Ground Weapons Expert

Air to Ground Weapons Expert

ManTech

Arlington, VA • On-site

$128K - $214K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Description & Requirements
Shape the future of defense with MANTECH! Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our nation through advanced tech and innovative solutions. Since 1968, we've been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career forward and be part of something extraordinary. Your journey starts now-protect and innovate with MANTECH!

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Air to Ground Weapon Expert to join our team in Arlington, VA. This is an onsite position at Headquarters Air Force A5 in the Pentagon. 

The qualified candidate augments and assists the military and civilian staff in performing Modeling, Simulation and Analysis functions to support senior Air Force decision makers.
 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Performs as a SME in the development of Air Force tactical weapons requirements.

  • Works directly with theater planners, headquarter staff, and the acquisition community to develop the optimal mix of tactical weapons for procurement and positioning to support National Defense priorities and objectives. 

  • Performs analyses to assess the impacts of budgetary decisions on weapons requirements.

  • Must be able to communicate highly technical and specialized information to a variety of audiences orally and in writing. 

  • Provides expertise in the areas of weaponeering, analysis, modeling, and munitions requirements determination.

  • Conduct and participate in short notice as well as long-term analytical studies and assessments using a variety of tools and techniques to include qualitative, spreadsheet, and computer simulation-based analyses.

  • Attend and participate in meetings both locally and at other locations as a Weapons Requirements SME.

  • Complete computer-based and in person training as required by the government and company policy.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED and 12+ years of Military Operations or Modeling, Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) experience

  • 6+ years of experience supporting, analyzing, and developing operational plans associated with tactical weapons requirements

  • Experienced in modeling, simulation and documentation

  • Experience using Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Science (preferred), 8-10 years' experience; or MS in same areas, with 5-7 years' experience

  • Active Top-Secret clearance and SCI eligible.

  • US Military Operational Experience in weapons requirements-related field.

  • Experience developing study plans that include background, purpose of study, scope/limitations, critical assumptions and constraints, measures of effectiveness, study parameters and variables, methodology description, data requirements and schedule.

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must be a US Citizen with a current and active Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.

  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.

  • The person in this position frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers.


The projected compensation range for this position is $128,800.00-$214,500.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.  In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation.  MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.

MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.

What ManTech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom