1

Director Explosive Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Manager (Design)

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site

$149.20 - $174/hr

Direct New Product Development (NPD) efforts within established CED processes ensuring cost and ... Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as ...

... explosive growth in digital infrastructure. We are looking for skilled engineers and managers to ... directing functional performance tests * Conduct troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for ...

... explosive growth in digital infrastructure. We are looking for skilled engineers and managers to ... directing functional performance tests * Conduct troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for ...

Manage and develop two direct reports, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team. Key Metrics ... Loyalty/Rewards Programming Qualifications, Education, & Experience: * Bachelor's Degree & minimum ...

Junior Estimator

Chicago Heights, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The Estimating Department is a direct internal supplier for the Board, Sr Management, Sales, and ... Bachelor's degree in Sciences, Engineering, or Arts is preferred with a minimum of three (3) years ...

Junior Estimator

Chicago Heights, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The Estimating Department is a direct internal supplier for the Board, Sr Management, Sales, and ... Bachelor's degree in Sciences, Engineering, or Arts is preferred with a minimum of three (3) years ...

Junior Estimator

Chicago Heights, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The Estimating Department is a direct internal supplier for the Board, Sr Management, Sales, and ... Bachelor's degree in Sciences, Engineering, or Arts is preferred with a minimum of three (3) years ...

Director Explosive Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15.5K

$248.6K

$398.7K

How much do director explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director explosive engineer in Chicago, IL is $248,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $206,000.00 and $309,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Director Explosive Engineers get paid?

Director Explosive Engineers typically earn a salary ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. They often oversee safety protocols, manage explosive operations, and require specialized training and security clearances.

What is the difference between Director Explosive Engineer vs Explosive Engineer?

AspectDirector Explosive EngineerExplosive Engineer
CertificationsExplosive License, Safety CertificationsExplosive License, Safety Certifications
Work EnvironmentManagement, Project OversightField Work, Site Operations
ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning, Team LeadershipDesigning, Testing, and Handling Explosives

The main difference between a Director Explosive Engineer and an Explosive Engineer lies in their roles. The Director focuses on management, planning, and overseeing explosive projects, while the Explosive Engineer is hands-on, involved in designing and handling explosives. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Director Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Director Explosive Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $248,569 per year, or $119.5 per hour.

Engineering Manager (Design)

Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc

Downers Grove, IL โ€ข On-site

$149K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation.


CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.


CED's current salary range for this role is $149,200 to $174,000 / year. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts. CED follows a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.


JOB SUMMARY:

The Engineering Manager is a department leader who holds responsibility for execution of New Product Development and Production activities on-time and within budget. Ensures all engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with CED’s established policies and procedures. Collaboratively works cross-functionally with departments across the organization to advance CED’s engineering and R&D capabilities. This position directly supports the growth and technical development of less experienced Engineers.

Requirements:


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Direct New Product Development (NPD) efforts within established CED processes ensuring cost and schedule targets are achieved
  • Lead product improvement/redesign teams to overcome product performance issues and drive toward innovative and improved designs
  • Support legacy production jobs maintaining up-to-date Technical Data Packages (TDP) guaranteeing products are readily producible
  • Lead efforts to determine feasibility, risk and effort associated with product development
  • Provides technical assistance to other functions within the organization as requested
  • Provide expert judgment and analysis for the design, development and implementation of technical products and systems
  • Interface with Business Development and Manufacturing to ensure that support is forthcoming for ongoing proposal activities
  • Provide leadership to junior engineers and develop growth opportunities and channels
  • Support internal recurring status meetings with manufacturing
  • Define engineering development strategies in support of project and product goals and requirements
  • Lead the mechanical engineering staff and other IPDT team members regarding technical evaluations and programmatic and design tradeoff decisions
  • Support and/or coordinate design reviews for the functional group and any project for which the Pyrophoric Mechanisms group plays a key role
  • Direct Pyrophoric Mechanisms staff in the definition and development of verification and validation test plans
  • Define and track key product metrics with the intent of identifying product and process improvements

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
  • Ensure 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
  • Special projects and additional duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Provides direct supervision to a variety of junior / entry level exempt employees

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or chemistry
  • Advanced degree in a related discipline is a plus

EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum of 5 years of related Aerospace/Military/Ordnance industry experience
  • Demonstrated experience advising and guiding junior engineering staff
  • Experience in leading the long-term and complex management of engineering programs and projects
  • Experience with prime defense contractor specifications and/or military regulations

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Lawful US Person (ITAR restrictions)
  • Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices
  • Strong team player and willingness to create solutions and accept ownership for new and different requests
  • Ability to represent the Company positively and professionally through behavior, attitude and communication
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both internal and external to the organization
  • Discerning attention to financial, risk and resource management / deployment
  • Must be comfortable with multiple competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events in a calm and logical manner
  • Familiarity with AS-9100 Standards and CED’s Quality Management System

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Use of computer for extended periods of time.


DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.


The “Know Your Rights” Poster is available here: EEOC Know Your Rights


CED’s EEO Policy Statement is available here: CED EEO Policy Statement


CED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to Humanresources@ced.us.com or call (630) 969-0620and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.