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Weapons Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chariot Defense

Manufacturing Technician

San Bruno, CA

$60K - $90K/yr

... weapons, electronic warfare systems, and command & control capabilities. Those critical components ... About the Role Chariot Defense is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Technician to join our ...

Chariot Defense

Manufacturing Technician

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

... weapons, electronic warfare systems, and command & control capabilities. Those critical components ... About the Role Chariot Defense is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Technician to join our ...

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How much do weapons manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons manufacturing in California is $12.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $12.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is weapons manufacturing?

Weapons manufacturing is the process of designing, producing, and assembling various types of weapons and defense equipment, such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military vehicles. This industry involves advanced engineering, strict safety protocols, and adherence to government regulations. Weapons manufacturers typically work closely with military organizations, law enforcement agencies, and sometimes private security firms to supply high-quality, reliable equipment. The field requires expertise in metallurgy, mechanical engineering, quality assurance, and often includes research into new technologies to improve weapon performance and safety.

How to get a job in weapons manufacturing?

The qualifications and skills that you need to get a weapons manufacturing job depend on the responsibilities of your position. Weapons engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or science subject. Specializations for this field include computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or ballistic engineering. Assemblers and technicians need at least a high school diploma or vocational degree. Some employers prefer to hire weapons manufacturing professionals with previous military experience or training. Design jobs related to the military require that you obtain a security clearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in weapons manufacturing?

To excel in weapons manufacturing, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of manufacturing processes, and often a background in engineering or skilled trades. Familiarity with CAD software, CNC machinery, quality control systems, and knowledge of industry regulations or relevant certifications (such as ITAR or ISO) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to safety are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure products meet strict safety, quality, and legal standards in a highly regulated and precise industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in weapons manufacturing roles?

Professionals in weapons manufacturing often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict safety and quality standards, as the industry is highly regulated. Adhering to detailed protocols and documentation is essential to ensure compliance with government and international regulations. Additionally, working collaboratively with engineers, quality assurance teams, and supply chain partners is crucial to meet tight production deadlines and manage complex projects. Adapting to rapidly evolving technology and security requirements can also be demanding, but it offers valuable opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

What is the difference between Weapons Manufacturing vs Gunsmith?

AspectWeapons ManufacturingGunsmith
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, manufacturing trainingGun repair and customization certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, assembly lines, industrial settingsGun shops, repair facilities, custom shops
Industry UsageMass production of firearms and military equipmentCustom firearm repair, modification, and restoration

Weapons Manufacturing involves large-scale production of firearms and military equipment in industrial settings, often requiring technical certifications. Gunsmiths focus on repairing, customizing, and restoring firearms in specialized shops, with certifications in gun repair. While both roles work with firearms, weapons manufacturing emphasizes mass production, whereas gunsmithing centers on individual firearm customization and repair.

More about Weapons Manufacturing jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Weapons Manufacturing jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Weapons Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Weapons Manufacturing job openings:

Weapons Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,659 per year, or $12.3 per hour.

Weapons Integration Program Manager 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (DS) is seeking a Weapons Aircraft Integration Program Manager 3 for the Advanced Weapons Business Unit located in Northridge, CA. Our Advanced Weapons team designs, develops, manufactures and integrates missile systems that support U.S. national and allied security objectives.
This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have a current U.S. Government DoW Secret clearance with ability to get a Sensitive Access Program (SAP) clearance.
DESCRIPTION:
The Weapons Integration Program Manager 3 will own end-to-end delivery of missile integration programs for 4th and advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft. This role drives cross-functional teams-including systems engineering, software, test & evaluation, logistics, and contracting-to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant fielding of our missile solutions. The incumbent will serve as the primary interface with the Air Force, Joint Program Offices, and key industry partners while maintaining rigorous adherence to schedule, budget, and performance baselines.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manage the full program lifecycle from integration planning through flight testing, platform certification, and Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
  • Plan and execute integration of tactical missiles across multiple aircraft platforms via multiple simultaneous contracts.
  • Develop program scope, objectives, and success criteria; establish and maintain the integrated master schedule (IMS), risk/opportunity register, and cost baselines.
  • Execute a comprehensive risk and opportunity management process to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between DoD acquisition offices, aircraft OEMs, subsystem suppliers, and test ranges to plan and execute safe store separation, telemetry verification, and live-fire flight tests.
  • Lead major programmatic reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure timely closure of action items.
  • Own the program budget-authorizing expenditures, tracking forecasts, and achieving cost-to-complete and EVMS performance targets.
  • Develop new business opportunities through long-range strategic planning, capture planning, and development of proposals and business plans.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of program managers, engineers, logistics, and acquisition specialists.
  • Prepare and present program status reports, risk assessments, and decision briefs to senior leadership and customers.

The selected candidate will also oversee technical and operational execution of missile-to-aircraft integration, including:
  • Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for physical, electrical, and logical interfaces (internal and external carriage)
  • Missile virtual model development and test
  • Ground and flight test planning and execution
  • Verification of system-level integration requirements
  • F-35 Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) missile simulator development and testing in the SIL lab
  • Mission Planning integration and analysis support (e.g., wind tunnel, CFD, structural) for weapon carriage and safe separation
  • Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and flight-test campaigns; approve test plans, data reviews, and deviation waivers.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 8+ years of aerospace/defense program management experience OR a Master's (MS/MBA) with 6+ years of mentioned experience
  • Proven expertise and experience with weapon-to-aircraft interfaces, store-separation criteria, test-and-evaluation planning, and fighter-aircraft avionics architectures.
  • Experience leading programs to completion on schedule using program-management tools such as Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and Risk & Opportunity Management processes.
  • Strategic thinker experienced in developing multi-year aircraft integration roadmaps and long-range program plans.
  • Skilled decision-maker in uncertain, high-stakes environments.
  • Strong communicator adept at negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution.
  • Current U.S. Government DoW Secret clearance with ability to get a Sensitive Access Program (SAP) clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience in tactical missile integration on aircraft
  • Experience with store separation testing, wind tunnel data, or avionics flight software
  • Direct experience working with F-16 Configured Systems or F-35 Mission Systems
  • Strong track record of executing Fixed price (FFP) contracts
  • Strong knowledge of aircraft systems (structures, power-distribution, flight controls, data buses)
  • Familiarity with multi-mode tactical missile subsystems (guidance, propulsion, warhead, launch hardware)
  • Familiarity with Agile/DevOps practices for software-intensive missile guidance or flight-control code

Primary Level Salary Range: $193,000.00 - $289,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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