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Weapons Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weapons System Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

The Weapons System Engineer will support the development, integration, and lifecycle management of air-to-air (A/A) weapons systems supporting U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Counter Air / Counter Air ...

Weapons - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K/yr

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 seeks motivated and experienced Weapons System Integration Engineers in the analysis of host aircraft/store compatibility requirements for captive carriage and ...

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How much do weapons jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for weapons 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 are some common challenges faced by weapons engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Weapons engineers often work on multidisciplinary teams, balancing strict safety regulations with innovation and performance requirements. Common challenges include keeping up with evolving technology, ensuring compliance with complex government standards, and managing the confidentiality of sensitive projects. Effective communication, ongoing professional development, and attention to detail are crucial for success in this field. Collaborating closely with defense specialists, product designers, and regulatory bodies helps engineers find practical solutions while maintaining high safety and security standards.

What are weapons specialists?

Weapons specialists are professionals who are trained in the handling, maintenance, operation, and sometimes the design or modification of various types of weaponry. They may work in the military, law enforcement, private security, or in research and manufacturing roles related to weapons technology. Their expertise is essential for ensuring weapons are used safely and effectively, and they often provide training to others on proper procedures and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Weapons vs Firearm Specialist?

AspectWeaponsFirearm Specialist
Required CredentialsBasic firearm safety, general knowledgeAdvanced firearm safety, certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, securityGun shops, shooting ranges, law enforcement
Industry UsageBroader term including all weapon typesSpecific focus on firearms and guns
Common Search/ComparisonGeneral weapon knowledgeFirearm-specific expertise

Weapons is a broad term encompassing all types of weaponry, including firearms, knives, and other combat tools. Firearm Specialist, on the other hand, specifically refers to experts with specialized knowledge in guns and firearms. While both roles may work in similar environments like law enforcement or security, Firearm Specialists typically require more advanced training and certifications focused on guns. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weapons Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weapons Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, ballistics modeling tools, and knowledge of military standards or security clearances are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for innovation and safety in this field. These skills ensure the design, development, and maintenance of safe, effective, and compliant weapons systems.
More about Weapons jobs
What cities are hiring for Weapons jobs? Cities with the most Weapons job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapons jobs? The most popular types of Weapons jobs are:
What states have the most Weapons jobs? States with the most job openings for Weapons jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weapons job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $26,000 per year, or $12.5 per hour.
Weapons System Engineer

Weapons System Engineer

ASEC

Patuxent River, MD โ€ข Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description

Location: NAS Patuxent River, MD

Security Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secretย 

Telework Eligible? No


What You'll Do:


The Weapons System Engineer will support the development, integration, and lifecycle management of air-to-air (A/A) weapons systems supporting U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Counter Air / Counter Air Defense (CA/CAD) missions. This role provides engineering support across the full acquisition lifecycle-from requirements development through fielding and sustainment-while helping ensure legacy systems remain operational and future capabilities are successfully integrated across multiple platforms.


The position also supports risk assessment, system-of-systems integration planning, and weapons roadmap development while coordinating closely with program offices, test organizations, and operational stakeholders.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage A/A weapon engineering activities, including modeling and simulation, Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) processes, and associated documentation.
  • Conduct capability gap analysis and support development of future weapons roadmaps.
  • Provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) support across the weapons acquisition lifecycle.
  • Support integration of A/A weapons across multiple aircraft platforms.
  • Assist the NAVAIR Program Office with system integration and future capability development for DoD CA/CAD weapons.
  • Perform risk assessments related to system design, development, integration, production, and lifecycle management.
  • Coordinate with developmental and operational test communities to support test planning, execution, and evaluation.
  • Provide technical analysis and recommendations to mitigate program risks and integration challenges.
  • Support development of JCIDS documentation including AoAs, CDDs, and CPDs.
  • Engage with stakeholders across NAVAIR, program offices, operational commands, industry partners, and test organizations.
  • Position will require up to 20% travel within CONUS.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.ย 

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or an Engineering discipline (Electrical, Electronics, Materials, or Computer).
  • 5+ years of professional experience in one or more of the following: DoD/DoN aviation acquisition programs, systems engineering, and/or systems integration.
  • Technical fields such as engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science
  • U.S. military Aviator experience is desired.
  • Experience with System Security Engineering is a plus.

Equally Important:

  • Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.
  • Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.
  • Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently.
  • Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
  • Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

ASEC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.


Security Clearance Requirement:

  • This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance with T5/T5R adjudication. Selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Salary Range:

  • The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000, commensurate with an individual's experience, qualifications, and skill set. ASEC is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation.

Who We Are:


ASEC offers meaningful, mission-driven work within a culture that supports your professional and personal growth. We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering, information technology, training, and logistics. Above all, we are committed to doing what's right for the Warfighter-plain and simple. Explore what makes ASEC different by visiting our website.


Why work at ASEC?

  • 100% employee-owned company. Learn more about our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) here!
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, disability insurance, and more!
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate education
  • Veteran-friendly employer
  • Thriving employee culture

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ASEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), or any other status protected by law.

ASEC also complies with all applicable pay transparency laws and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation.