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Weapons Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Production Technician

Ashville, OH

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

ABOUT THE SITE Anduril, a leader in autonomous systems and weapons manufacturing, is building Arsenal-1, its first hyperscale manufacturing facility, just south of Columbus, Ohio in Pickaway County.

ABOUT THE SITE Anduril, a leader in autonomous systems and weapons manufacturing, is building Arsenal-1, its first hyperscale manufacturing facility, just south of Columbus, Ohio in Pickaway County.

Manufacturing Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

You will be the Program Manufacturing Engineer supporting Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) operations. Our team is responsible for creating and improving manufacturing strategies for complex ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Orlando, FL

$68K - $87K/yr

You will be the Program Manufacturing Engineer supporting Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) operations. Our team is responsible for creating and improving manufacturing strategies for complex ...

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Weapons Manufacturing information

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How much do weapons manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons manufacturing in the United States is $12.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $12.50 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 cities are hiring for Weapons Manufacturing jobs? Cities with the most Weapons Manufacturing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs? The most popular types of Weapons Manufacturing jobs are:
What states have the most Weapons Manufacturing jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons Manufacturing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Manufacturing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Manufacturing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Weapons Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $26,000 per year, or $12.5 per hour.
Advanced Manufacturing, Weapons Systems, or Nuclear 2026

Advanced Manufacturing, Weapons Systems, or Nuclear 2026

Lockheed Martin

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 387 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard Job Description
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
Job Description
Attention: Applying to this Expression of Interest (EOI) introduces you to Lockheed Martin's job opportunities. We will review your background, skills, and interests to identify roles that match the skill sets aligned with this opportunity requisition.
* Not a direct hire - Submitting an EOI does not guarantee a position on this specific requisition.
* Open across Business Areas and locations - Opportunities may exist in any Lockheed Martin Business Area and are not limited to a particular geographic region.
* Additional requirements - Individual positions may have further qualifications, clearances, or location-specific criteria that will be considered during the application process.
Are you interested in a career building the military hardware of the future with the nation's top defense contractors? Lockheed Martin is seeking transitioning military members and veterans to join our manufacturing teams throughout the country.
Manufacturing positions are ideal for members of the military community with technical aptitude and an interest in high tech manufacturing.
Expression of interest in this opportunity introduces you to manufacturing positions across the country with teams build hardware including aircraft, ships, missile systems and satellites.
Based on role, team and experience duties may include:
-Design and develop advanced manufacturing, weapons, and nuclear systems
-Conduct analysis and simulation of systems
-Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize project requirements
-Develop and implement testing and validation plans
-Conduct safety and risk assessments
-Develop and maintain technical documentation
-Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams
-Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field
Candidates may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
For more information regarding benefits you could enjoy, please reference: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/careers/why-lm/LM_Benefits.html
Desired skills
Ability to pass a background screening.
Nuclear (weapons Analyst, Operations Tech, Engineer & Quality) Desired skills :
• Nuclear and Natural Space Radiation environments
• US Air Force Weapon Systems Programs
• US Strategic Missile Weapons Systems
Weapons (Armament, Munitions, Missiles, Demolition and Explosives)
Desired Skills
• Knowledge of missile structures and assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in a team environment
• Ability to obtain and retain Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E) certification
Navy Nuclear Power Program : ETN, MMN, ETN, 121x, 122x
-Navy Combat Systems: FCA, IC, STG, etc.
-Army:12A, 89D,
-Air Force: 62E, 21M, 13N
-Marines:2110
-Space Force: 13S, 62E
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They're dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin's vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers' toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Colorado Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $54,900 - $96,830. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $63,200 - $109,365. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912