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Weapons Manufacturing Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Apply DFX and other design principals to create manufacturing-friendly, cost-optimized solutions ...

nLIGHT

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Apply DFX and other design principals to create manufacturing-friendly, cost-optimized solutions ...

nLIGHT

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Apply DFX and other design principals to create manufacturing-friendly, cost-optimized solutions ...

nLIGHT

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Apply DFX and other design principals to create manufacturing-friendly, cost-optimized solutions ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Expertise in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing, including experience ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Expertise in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing, including experience ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$140K - $180K/yr

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Expertise in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing, including experience ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO

We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in ... Expertise in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing, including experience ...

National Guard OMD

89B Ammunition Specialist

Watkins, CO · On-site

$200 - $250/wk

Firearms and other projectile weapons are only as good as the ammunition that goes in them. That ... You might also consider a future as a bomb-disposal expert, gunsmith, or munitions manufacturer.

SAIC

Systems Engineers

Colorado Springs, CO

$160K - $200K/yr

The Horizon program is supporting Government weapon systems program offices with subject matter ... Provide technical oversight of development efforts (i.e., design, development, manufacturing ...

SAIC

Systems Engineers

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Horizon program is supporting Government weapon systems program offices with subject matter ... Provide technical oversight of development efforts (i.e., design, development, manufacturing ...

Lockheed Martin

Systems Engineer, Senior

Littleton, CO

$106K - $145K/yr

... manufacturers and the Strategic Weapons Facilities Drive anomaly investigations to closure Perform data reviews and provide feedback to test and integration teams Engage in travel and off-shift ...

Leidos

Production Manager

Colorado Springs, CO

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Colorado Manufacturing Facility is seeking a Production Manager to join our team supporting a stand-alone manufacturing facility performing work on a hypersonic weapon system ...

Leidos

Production Manager

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Colorado Manufacturing Facility is seeking a Production Manager to join our team supporting a stand-alone manufacturing facility performing work on a hypersonic weapon system ...

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO

$80K - $140K/yr

Our team advances materials and manufacturing processes to support the most challenging missions in the galaxy: re-entry from space, interplanetary travel, hypersonic weapons, and more. Canopy ...

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Weapons Manufacturing information

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How much do weapons manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons manufacturing in Colorado is $13.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $13.12 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.

What is the job called when you make weapons?

The job of making weapons is typically called a weapons manufacturer, gunsmith, or armorer. These professionals design, assemble, and repair firearms and other weaponry, often working in manufacturing plants or specialized workshops, and may require technical skills and safety certifications.

What is the highest paying job in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, senior engineering roles such as Manufacturing Engineering Manager or Plant Manager tend to be among the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of production processes and safety standards.

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 weapon manufacturing called?

Weapon manufacturing is commonly referred to as arms production or arms manufacturing. It involves designing, assembling, and testing firearms, ammunition, and other weapon systems, often requiring specialized skills, safety protocols, and adherence to government regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in weapons manufacturing, and why are they important?

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.

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 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.

What are the major weapons manufacturers?

Major weapons manufacturers include companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and General Dynamics. These companies produce a wide range of military equipment, including aircraft, missiles, and defense systems, often requiring specialized engineering skills and security clearances for employment.
More about Weapons Manufacturing jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Colorado? For Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Weapons Manufacturing jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Weapons Manufacturing job openings:
Weapons Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Manufacturing job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,339 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO • On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: A minimum of 3+ years of experience working in opto-mechanical system design and integration.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field.
Compensation: $96,000-$130,000 depending on experience.
Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities - from semiconductor device through target identification - to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary:
Mechanical Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. synchronize all mechanical, thermal, and packaging aspects of design and integration for complex High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems. We are developing rugged and compact HEL weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging environments. We utilize analysis driven design and implement elegant athermalized and vibration-rugged solutions. We need motivated Mechanical Engineers that are excited about integrating HEL weapon systems and being part of that solution.
All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying.
Responsibilities:
  • Development of cutting-edge laser and electro-optical systems through rapid development of effective and robust mechanical system designs.
  • Apply DFX and other design principals to create manufacturing-friendly, cost-optimized solutions that meet or exceed the functional design goals.
  • Devise, design and build robust tooling and process equipment suitable for reliable high-volume manufacturing.
  • Design, analysis, and assembly of mechanical systems from concept through design finalization and integration.

Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • The ideal candidate has at least 3+ years of experience working in mechanical system design and integration.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Requirements change frequently and rapid-turn solutions must be developed frequently.
  • Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives.
  • Experience using GitLab, Jira, or similar project management software.
  • Experience with system level trade studies and documenting engineering decision making.
  • Ability to architect design solutions from design requirements and stakeholder input.
  • Experience breaking down larger scale system design and delegating engineering tasking to a diverse team of contributing engineers.
  • Experience in SolidWorks.
  • Ability to use hand calculations to verify design requirements.
  • Exhibit strong troubleshooting skills.
  • Expertise in fabrication and assembly drawing preparation for manufacturing (ISO and ANSI standards) including experience with version control and change record documentation.
  • Experience in design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA)
  • Experience with various manufacturing techniques - machining, sheet metal, injection molding, etc.

Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
  • Experience in rugged design for optical systems including kinematic, flexure mounting and optical and structural adhesive mounting.
  • Familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.
  • Experience in optical system alignment and test methods.
  • Experience in Opto-Mechanical Assembly, including receiving and inspecting components, dry-assembly, bonding.
  • Experience in thermal management systems.
  • STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
  • Experience in vibration test and analysis and isolation methods, in particular jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
  • Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
  • Experience with MATLAB & LabVIEW.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
  • Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design and/or testing.
  • Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.

Benefits Summary:
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 11 paid Holidays
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
  • Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is IllegalIf you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]

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