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Weapons Manufacturing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Technician B Job Code: 40845 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees ... weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies using small company agility and big company ...

The Manufacturing Technician will fabricate components and assemblies for various unmanned ... weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies using small company agility and big company ...

Manufacturing Technician B

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$22.84 - $42.55/hr

The Manufacturing Technician will fabricate components and assemblies for various unmanned ... weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies using small company agility and big company ...

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CoAspire ( is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, w ...

Lead, Manufacturing Electrical Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$163K - $170K/yr

Lead, Manufacturing Engineering Job Code: 37529 Job Location: Ashburn, Va Job Schedule: Employees ... weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies using small company agility and big company ...

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Weapons Manufacturing information

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How much do weapons manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons manufacturing in Virginia is $12.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $12.40 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Virginia? For Weapons Manufacturing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Manufacturing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,776 per year, or $12.4 per hour.
FMS Weapons Lead Systems Engineer

FMS Weapons Lead Systems Engineer

The Air Force Civilian Service

Arlington, VA • On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities for the United States Air Force.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a FMS Weapons Lead Systems Engineer (NH-0801-04) to work for the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Arlington, VA.
VoP (Value of Position): 95
This position can close at any time. Apply Now!
Recruitment, Retention, and Relocation incentives may be available.
Qualifications/Requirements:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive engineer to serve as the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Weapons Lead Systems Engineer and supports the JPO Weapons Integration Lead Engineer within the Air Vehicle (AV) PMO. This person is responsible for the technical, programmatic, airworthiness and certification efforts of all FMS customers' F-35A and F-35B weapons integration activities, to include requirements development, design, analysis, test and evaluation, fleet introduction and capabilities sustainment. The position will be responsible for leading and performing weapons integration tasks for F-35 Air System (AS) in support of FMS customer requirements. This is a supervisory position, leading a multi-person, direct report contractor-government team. The team supports US and foreign-manufactured weapon integration and certification activities across multiple US and foreign weapons family product lines across field sites and between the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin (LM), multiple Service weapon system program offices and US and foreign weapon suppliers. Additionally, the team supports FMS customers' stores airworthiness and certification engineering for developmental and operational flight testing, fleet deliveries, and sustaining engineering for fleet capabilities.
U.S. Citizenship
Obtain maintain a Security clearance
This may be a designated Drug Testing Position
This position requires travel
Bachelor of Science (BS) in engineering discipline (required). Master's degree in engineering (desired).
Employee must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements, which includes achieving Engineering and Technical Management "Practitioner" certification category within required timeframe after appointment.
Possess minimum of five years' DoD acquisition experience in airborne weapons systems/munitions.
Knowledge of Air Force and Navy weapons certification requirements and airworthiness processes for aircraft and stores is highly desired.
Possess ability to effectively communicate recommendations and employ multi-faceted problem-solving methods to develop effective technical and programmatic solutions.
Possess good briefing skills and interpersonal and/or diplomatic skills are highly desired.
DUTIES:
Provide system engineering and weapons integration management for the FMS customers' weapons to be integrated into their F-35s, to include requirements. development, verification, and certification requirements for store integration.
Coordinate FMS customers' common, partially common and unique weapons requirements and manage integrated schedules with LM/JPO team and routinely report status to leadership.
Evaluate weapons integration and interface design trade studies/design decisions/performance against Israel requirements and mission need requirements.
Coordinate between FMS customer and the prime contractor the requirements, design and integration of weapons/munitions systems hardware and software products, ensuring system requirements are compliant with all export, foreign disclosure, release and security requirements.
Responsible for weapons interfaces and management of Interface Control Documents (ICD's) with the F-35 AS and closure on technical integration issues.
Coordinate across IPTs to perform engineering integration assessments and technical evaluations of the weapons and provide FMS customers' operational limitations and watch items (such as release/separation, flutter, loads, Pilot Vehicle Interface, etc).
Assist in the development and review of F-35 test plans and procedures for the evaluation and certification of FMS customers' weapons for use on their F-35.
Review and analyze test data to determine compliance with F-35 FMS customers' weapons requirements.
Coordinate with FMS customers and external governing agencies/services to ensure consistency in F-35 airworthiness and store certification processes.
Coordinate with F-35 Class Desks, US and Foreign weapons program offices, and US, Partner and FMS Military and Government Weapons SMEs.
Evaluate future weapon requirements and their impact on the F-35 design.
Review Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA), Requests for Information (RFI) and Press Releases for releasability.
Review and assess Deficiency Reports and Software Problem Anomaly Report (SPAR) on their impacts to F-35 weapons integration and design and determine appropriate closure plans.
Coordinate and manage FMS-unique weapons safety risks in conjunction with JPO System Safety, ensuring technical risks are captured and reviewed at risk boards and all relevant and releasable weapons risks are communicated to the FMS customers.
Provide subject matter expertise to the International Directorate FMS Program Managers as required for the execution of all FMS Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).
Supervise and mentor FMS funded civilian personnel assigned to the FMS teams. Accomplish personnel actions (hiring, discipline, appraisals, etc.).
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
U.S. citizenship required. AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. Must be of legal working age.

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