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Weapons Systems information

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$24K

$94.4K

$169.4K

How much do weapons systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for weapons systems in California is $94,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,442.00 and $113,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Weapons Systems position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Weapons Systems role, you typically need a background in engineering or a related technical field, with specialized knowledge in electronics, mechanics, or computer systems. Familiarity with military-grade hardware, control systems, and certifications such as Security Clearance or CompTIA Security+ are often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These skills ensure accurate operation, maintenance, and integration of complex systems critical to mission success and safety.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Weapons Systems?

A typical day for someone in a Weapons Systems role involves activities such as conducting routine system checks, performing diagnostics and repairs on equipment, and collaborating with engineers, operators, and support teams to ensure mission readiness. You may be involved in simulation exercises, troubleshooting emergent technical issues, and documenting maintenance actions according to strict protocols. The work environment is often highly structured and may include both lab and field settings, with an emphasis on safety and precision. This role frequently requires adaptability to changing priorities and a commitment to continuous learning as technology evolves.

What is a Weapons Systems job?

A Weapons Systems job involves the development, operation, maintenance, and management of military weaponry and defense technology. Professionals in this field may work with missiles, firearms, targeting systems, or electronic warfare components. Responsibilities vary by role but can include testing, troubleshooting, and improving weapon performance. These jobs exist in military, government, and defense contractor settings, requiring technical expertise and often security clearance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons Systems jobs in California? The most popular types of Weapons Systems jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Weapons Systems jobs in California? For Weapons Systems jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weapons Systems jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Weapons Systems jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Weapons Systems jobs? Cities in California with the most Weapons Systems job openings:
Weapons Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weapons Systems job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,429 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Senior Staff Engineer, Weapons Systems (SD/TX/DC) (R5019)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site

$170 - $250/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Weapons Systems Engineer to lead the integration, validation, and operational deployment of advanced weapon capabilities on X-Bat. This role directly impacts mission readiness, combat effectiveness, aircraft survivability, and program execution by ensuring weapon systems are successfully integrated, tested, and fielded to operational users.

The engineer will work across the full lifecycle from requirements development through flight test, helping reduce integration risk, accelerate capability delivery, and improve overall mission system performance.

What you'll do:
  • Define weapon system behaviors, operational sequences, and mission workflows to ensure reliable and predictable weapon employment across all phases of operation
  • Develop system architectures, activity diagrams, interface definitions, and functional behaviors for aircraft weapon systems and mission system integration
  • Lead integration of weapon systems, stores management systems, and avionics interfaces while coordinating across software, avionics, flight sciences, mechanical design, and test teams
  • Support lab, ground, and flight test activities to validate system behavior, identify integration issues early, and improve mission system reliability
  • Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action development to reduce integration risk, improve operational readiness, and accelerate capability fielding
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in military aerospace, mission systems, avionics, or weapon systems integration
  • Experience defining system behavior, operational concepts, activity diagrams, or functional architectures for complex aerospace systems
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD-1760, MIL-STD-1553, and hardware/software integration environments
  • Strong systems engineering, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication skills
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience supporting fighter aircraft, UAV, bomber, or advanced military aircraft programs
  • Experience with MBSE methodologies and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler
  • Background in HIL/SIL integration labs, flight test, or operational weapon system validation
  • Familiarity with airworthiness, cybersecurity, and resilient mission systems
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred
Compensation

$170,000 - $250,000 a year

Employment type

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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