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Weapons Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Following applicable TMs and SOPs, prepares ammunition for firing, loads, and downloads weapon systems such as Hydra 2.75-inch rockets, guided missiles, 20mm and 30mm guns on attack and scout ...

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Weapons Loader information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do weapons loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons loader in the United States is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weapons loader?

To thrive as a Weapons Loader, you need a solid understanding of munitions handling, safety procedures, and mechanical aptitude, typically supported by technical training or military certification. Familiarity with weapons loading systems, diagnostic tools, and maintenance documentation is essential for performing duties accurately. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure operational readiness, safety, and the successful execution of missions involving munitions and weapons systems.

What is the difference between Weapons Loader vs Armament Technician?

AspectWeapons LoaderArmament Technician
CertificationsMilitary weapons handling, safety trainingMilitary armament maintenance, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentAirfields, military bases, aircraft hangarsMilitary facilities, maintenance depots, aircraft hangars
Industry UsageMilitary aviation, defenseMilitary aviation, defense
Job FocusLoading, unloading, and preparing weapons for aircraftMaintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting weapon systems

While both roles involve working with military weapons, Weapons Loaders primarily focus on preparing and loading weapons onto aircraft, ensuring safety and proper procedures. Armament Technicians, on the other hand, are responsible for maintaining and repairing weapon systems. Both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments within military aviation, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by weapons loaders in maintaining safety and accuracy during operations?

Weapons Loaders often work under tight timelines and in high-pressure environments, where strict adherence to safety protocols is crucial to prevent accidents or equipment malfunctions. One common challenge is ensuring every step of the loading and unloading process is double-checked for accuracy, as even minor mistakes can have serious consequences. Additionally, Weapons Loaders must frequently coordinate with maintenance, flight, and security teams, requiring strong communication and attention to detail. Staying current with technical manuals and ongoing training also helps mitigate risks and maintain operational effectiveness.

What does a weapons loader do?

A Weapons Loader is responsible for safely loading, unloading, and maintaining weapons and munitions on military aircraft. Their duties include inspecting and handling bombs, missiles, and other armaments, ensuring they are properly secured and ready for missions. Weapons Loaders also perform routine maintenance on weapons systems and follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents. They play a crucial role in supporting air operations and ensuring that aircraft are combat-ready.
More about Weapons Loader jobs
Infographic showing various Weapons Loader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,404 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

CBA - Avionics Technician III with Security Clearance

22nd Century Technologies, Inc.

Point Mugu Nawc, CA • On-site

$30 - $39/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Summary:
• The Aircraft Electronics Technician III maintains assigned T/M/S aircraft electrical generators, load banks, starters, relays, batteries, actuators, circuit breakers, switches, weapons release and control checks, aircraft conventional weapons load team member, aircraft conventional weapons load team leader and aircraft instruments. Technician physical/direct manual lifting of weights greater than 50lbs is required on a frequent basis to accomplish requirements as published on the daily flight schedule.
• The Tech applies advanced technical knowledge to solve complex problems that typically cannot be solved solely by referencing manufacturers' manuals or similar documents. • Examples of such problems include determining the location and density of circuitry, evaluating electromagnetic radiation, isolating malfunctions, and incorporating engineering changes. • Work typically requires an understanding of the interrelationships of circuits, exercising independent judgment in performing such tasks as making circuit analyses, calculating wave forms, and tracing relationships in signal flow, using complex test instruments such as high frequency pulse generators, frequency synthesizers, distortion analyzers, and complex computer control equipment. • Work may be reviewed by supervisor for general compliance with accepted practices. • This position may provide technical guidance to lower level technicians. • Shall have authority to direct Level I or II work center personnel to accomplish specific maintenance actions as required to accomplish maintenance tasking in accordance with Department of Labor Skill Code definitions (responsible for providing guidance and technical expertise to lower level technicians throughout all aircraft modifications and/or maintenance efforts.)
• The Tech shall provide technical support to electronic/structural/mechanical project T/M/S engineers and customers, shall utilize excellent organizational skills in prioritizing workload to meet Daily Flight Schedule. • This worker will be required to make entries in aircraft logs and records, attend shift change maintenance meetings, perform as a QASO, and is responsible for providing guidance and technical expertise to lower level technicians throughout all aircraft modifications and/or maintenance efforts.
Minimum Education and Experience Required: *Candidates must have been released from military service with an Honorable Discharge to meet minimum qualifications. • High school graduate or equivalent. Specialized training courses are desirable.
• Shall have minimum 10 years USN/USMC/USCG O-Level CNAFINST 4790.2 (series) aircraft maintenance support experience.
• Shall have minimum five years T/M/S aircraft maintenance experience for the T/M/S aircraft hired to maintain (P-8).
• Shall have T/M/S aircraft maintenance experience for the T/M/S aircraft hired to maintain, with the last two years.
• Shall have experience as a QAR, CDI, CDQAR, Work Center Supervisor. In addition, the candidate shall be knowledgeable in automatic flight control systems, stabilization systems, weapons integration systems and fuel quantity systems.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a secret security clearance