1

Weapons Expert Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration ... expert. REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE The candidate must have a Bachelor ...

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

Ability to become a structures subject matter expert. REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited ...

Weapons Tech / MK45 (5245)

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$39.78 - $48.13/hr

... a Weapons Tech / MK45 to join our team in San Diego, CA. This role supports U.S. Navy Ships under ... Subject Matter Expert (SME) . Responsibilities: * Direct, oversee repair activities, train ...

SME must be an expert in strike fighter tactics and have working knowledge of simulation threat ... US Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) graduate, Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics ...

NGTS Subject Matter Expert

Lemoore, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Job Title NGTS Subject Matter Expert Location Lemoore NAS - Lemoore, CA 93245 US (Primary) Position ... US Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) graduate, Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Weapons Expert information

See California salary details

$9

$40

$97

How much do weapons expert jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons expert in California is $40.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.65 and $55.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Weapons Expert jobs in California?

For Weapons Expert jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weapons Expert jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Weapons Expert jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Weapons Expert job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,586 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Nuclear Weapons Science SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Livermore, CA โ€ข On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE IN GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND.

Relocation Support to the Germantown area may be provided.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expertise in nuclear weapon science to support the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated full-time position with benefits, with work performed primarily at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland. This long-term position provides relocation support to the Germantown area for those who live outside of the DMV (region encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $175,000 to $190,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Duties:
  • This position requires expert-level knowledge to advise senior DOE management on current technical issues related to the SME's area of expertise in nuclear weapons research (e.g., nuclear weapon design, materials science research, stockpile management, special nuclear materials production, developments relating to improvised nuclear devices, or other areas of expertise)
  • This leadership and policy guidance position requires the ability to lead working groups and develop white papers and presentations
  • This senior professional prepares classification guidance and classification/declassification policy documents and guides in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE Orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), National Security Information (NSI), and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI), including but not limited to the technical areas described below

Requirements

Security Clearance:

Candidate MUST be a United States citizen and have a current DoD Top Secret security clearance or DOE Q security clearance

Education and Experience:

  • Applicant MUST have earned an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a physical science
  • Applicant MUST have hands-on nuclear weapon science experience
  • This position requires excellent writing and verbal communication skills. The individual must demonstrate the ability to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15 (Nelson Denny reading assessment).

Minimum of ten (10) years' total field experience in the subject area of nuclear weapons is required. Hands-on experience with nuclear weapons-related matters such as any of the following is highly valued:

  • Computer Codes and Simulation Tools
  • Nuclear Weapon Design
  • Weapon Science
  • Use Control and other surety aspects of nuclear weapons
  • Knowledge of Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs)
  • Advanced understanding of Radiation Exposure Devices and Radiological Dispersal Devices, including their basic science and technological principles
  • Expert knowledge of programs such as Second Line of Defense to interdict nuclear materials
  • Hands-on knowledge of computer code development to support the nuclear weapon complex is desirable, as is experience with XML computer language
  • Experience working with DOE / NNSA / DoD / DHS / NRC and the national nuclear weapon laboratories

The following are also highly valued:

  • Expertise in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
  • Experience teaching and developing testing and educational materials for subjects such as IND or ICF is highly desirable

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option is available at a company-subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical Plan Options With UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) Match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.