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Weapons Systems Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Experience working in the NNSA's nuclear weapons program.Working knowledge of NNSA's Defense Programs Business Process Systems. Pay Range $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually for ...

Experience working in the NNSA's nuclear weapons program. Working knowledge of NNSA's Defense Programs Business Process Systems. Pay Range $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually ...

Experience working in the NNSA's nuclear weapons program. Working knowledge of NNSA's Defense Programs Business Process Systems. Pay Range $146,340 - $222,564 Annually $146,340 - $185,544 Annually ...

Showing results 21-40

Weapons Systems information

See California salary details

$24K

$94.4K

$169.4K

How much do weapons systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 is a weapons systems?

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

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

The most popular types of 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:

Infographic showing various Weapons Systems job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 95% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $94,429 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Ship Self-Defense System Combat Systems (SSDS) SME

Prevailance

San Diego, CA • On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Contract
Description
This position is contingent upon contract award
The Ship Self-Defense System Combat Systems (SSDS) SME provides SSDS training and assessment for amphibious steam platforms.
This position serves as a senior subject matter expert responsible for supporting fleet readiness, combat systems maintenance, operational performance, modernization initiatives, and lifecycle sustainment activities.
The SSDS SME supports engineering and maintenance teams responsible for Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) operations, electronic warfare capabilities, communications systems integration, and weapons systems maintenance. The position also provides technical guidance to government personnel, maintenance activities, and operational commands supporting fleet readiness and sustainment operations.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and supervise technical efforts supporting Navy combat systems operations, electronic warfare systems, communications networks, weapons systems, and associated maintenance activities.
  • Serve as senior technical advisor for Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) operations, maintenance, and systems integration.
  • Provide technical expertise for Navy shipboard network and communications systems, supporting infrastructure, and associated shipboard system interfaces.
  • Support planning, execution, and oversight of organizational-level and depot-level maintenance activities involving combat systems and electronic warfare systems.
  • Provide technical support for Navy electronic warfare and countermeasure systems, including:

* SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare Suite,
* SLQ-25 NIXIE Torpedo Decoy System,
* NULKA Active Missile Decoy System, and
* Mk 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures (SRBOC) Decoy Launching System.
  • Support operational readiness assessments, troubleshooting efforts, maintenance planning, and casualty response activities for combat systems and weapons systems.
  • Provide technical expertise for gunnery systems operations and maintenance aboard Navy warships and military auxiliary vessels.
  • Provide technical support for stand-alone missile systems operations and maintenance aboard warships.
  • Coordinate with ship's force personnel, maintenance activities, Type Commanders, training organizations, and government representatives to resolve technical and operational issues.
  • Analyze system performance data, maintenance trends, readiness reports, and casualty information to identify improvement opportunities and support mission readiness.
  • Prepare technical reports, maintenance assessments, readiness evaluations, and systems status updates for leadership review.
  • Support integrated maintenance and readiness efforts associated with multidisciplinary fleet support teams, including propulsion, auxiliary, electrical, combat systems, damage control, deck operations, and logistics specialties.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the technical aspects of operations and maintenance of the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Combat Systems suite operations and maintenance.
  • Experience level comparable to that of an Electronics Material Officer (EMO) aboard ships equipped with SSDS.
  • Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with the technical aspects of operations and maintenance of Navy network and communications systems, supporting systems, and associated shipboard interfaces.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience within the last five (5) years involving Navy electronic warfare (EW) and countermeasure systems currently employed by the Fleet.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting the following systems:

* SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare Suite,
* SLQ-25 NIXIE Torpedo Decoy System,
* NULKA Active Missile Decoy System, and
* Mk 36 SRBOC and Decoy Launching System.
  • Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with operations and maintenance of gunnery systems aboard warships or military auxiliary vessels.
  • Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience with operations and maintenance of stand-alone missile systems aboard warships.
  • Extensive knowledge of Navy combat systems maintenance practices, operational procedures, systems integration, and fleet readiness requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience supporting fleet readiness training, maintenance assessments, modernization programs, or lifecycle sustainment initiatives.
  • Experience supporting integrated fleet support organizations or Readiness Assist and Training Teams (RATT).
  • Experience supporting shipyard maintenance, waterfront operations, or combat systems modernization programs.
  • Familiarity with Navy maintenance databases, combat systems documentation, readiness reporting systems, and technical assessment tools.

Work Environment
  • Work may be performed in office environments, shipboard locations, waterfront operations areas, maintenance facilities, or shipyards.
  • Position may require travel to fleet concentration areas, operational commands, maintenance facilities, and shipboard locations in support of inspections, maintenance activities, and operational readiness efforts.

Security Clearance
  • Active DoD security clearance (Secret or higher) required.

Salary Description
$95,000-$115,000