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Explosive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering ...

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Explosive information

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$12

$22

$43

How much do explosive jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive in the United States is $22.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an explosive?

Explosives are chemical compounds or mixtures that undergo a rapid chemical reaction, producing gas, heat, and pressure. They are commonly used in mining, construction, demolition, and military applications to break apart rock or structures, or as propellants in ammunition. Handling explosives requires specialized training and strict safety protocols to prevent accidents. Regulations regarding the storage, transport, and use of explosives are enforced by government agencies to ensure public safety.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an explosives technician?

To thrive as an Explosives Technician, you need a solid understanding of chemistry, safety protocols, and explosives handling, usually backed by specialized training and relevant certifications such as a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement. Familiarity with detection systems, detonators, and personal protective equipment is essential for safe and effective operations. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the safe management and disposal of explosives, protecting both individuals and property.

What safety protocols must explosives technicians follow during daily operations?

Explosives Technicians adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize risks while handling, transporting, or disposing of explosive materials. These include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following detailed checklists, maintaining clear communication with team members, and thoroughly inspecting materials and equipment before and after use. Regular safety drills and ongoing training are also essential to ensure all team members are prepared for emergency situations. Adhering to these protocols helps create a secure work environment and fosters strong collaboration within the team.

What is the difference between Explosive vs Demolition Worker?

AspectExplosiveDemolition Worker
Required CertificationsExplosive handling, safety trainingSafety training, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, blastingBuilding demolition, site clearing
Industry UsageMining, construction, quarryingConstruction, renovation, demolition

Explosive roles focus on handling and applying explosives for tasks like blasting in mining or construction. Demolition workers perform building or structure demolitions, often using explosives but also manual methods. While both roles require safety certifications and work in construction-related environments, explosives specialists primarily manage explosive materials, whereas demolition workers execute the physical demolition process.

How to become an explosive specialist?

To become an explosive specialist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in explosives handling, safety procedures, and bomb disposal techniques. Certification from military or law enforcement agencies, along with security clearances, is often required, and candidates must pass background checks and physical fitness assessments.
More about Explosive jobs

What cities are hiring for Explosive jobs?

Cities with the most Explosive job openings:

What states have the most Explosive jobs?

States with the most job openings for Explosive jobs include:

Infographic showing various Explosive job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,230 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Explosive Operations Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Anduril Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

$73K - $99K/yr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

About The Role

Anduril is seeking an Explosives Operations Engineer to join our team in Costa Mesa, CA. Our Explosives Engineering & Operations group supports the safe development, testing, and fielding of explosive systems across multiple Anduril product lines, including Roadrunner, Bolt, Barracuda, Altius, and Copperhead. This team plays a critical role in helping Anduril deliver advanced defense capabilities by combining operational rigor, technical judgement, and uncompromising safety standards. This is a strong fit for someone who wants to work at the intersection of hands‑on explosives operations, safety, compliance, and mission execution. You will support explosive systems as they move from development to test and field support by executing safe, compliant operations in support of real products and real customer needs. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, program teams, and other cross‑functional stakeholders to support operational plans for systems deployed across land, sea, and air domains. You should be excited by hands‑on work, learning opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a growing capability inside one of the most ambitious defense technology companies in the industry.

What You’ll Do
  • Execute explosives operations in support of current and future Anduril products.
  • Conduct hands‑on explosives operations across lab, test, and field environments.
  • Support range safety activities and contribute to the overall safety and compliance posture of explosive operations.
  • Assist with site laydowns, blast and fragmentation considerations, quantity-distance evaluations, and other mitigation strategies related to explosive operations.
  • Follow explosive safety procedures and operating instructions, and ensure personnel understand and comply with them.
  • Execute operations in accordance with applicable DoD, ATF/ATFE, DOT, OSHA, and internal safety requirements based on the operational context.
  • Provide subject matter support on explosives operations, handling, safety, and compliance.
  • Collaborate with legal, operations, program leadership, engineering, manufacturing, and EHS to support products involving explosives.
  • Support explosives storage, including inventory, security, and inspections.
  • Contribute to explosives operations and training programs to meet regulatory, company, and customer requirements.
  • Train others on safe handling and operational execution.
  • Work effectively with Anduril customers, both USG and non-USG, and internal teams in austere environments.
  • The impact you’ll have:
    • Support safe deployment across Anduril's product portfolio. You will help execute explosive operations from development to testing and field support by following established procedures and safety standards for mission‑critical programs.
    • Contribute to operational velocity while maintaining compliance. You will apply sound judgment and follow DoD, ATF/ATFE, DOT, OSHA, and internal safety requirements to help Anduril test, field, and support explosive systems safely and efficiently.
    • Help strengthen explosives operations as the business scales. You will support procedures, training, storage practices, and operational readiness to ensure consistent and safe execution across products and sites.
    • Execute mission‑critical operations. By partnering with technical and operational teams, you will help execute operations that advance Anduril's mission and deliver differentiated defense technology to the field.
Required Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience in explosives operations, including practical experience with explosives safety, storage, transportation, and test or field execution.
  • Hands‑on experience executing or supporting explosive operations in operational, test, range, or field environments.
  • Familiarity with the regulatory environment surrounding explosives and energetic materials, including DoD explosives safety regulations, ATF/ATFE requirements, DOT, OSHA, and related compliance considerations. Candidates should have exposure to applying regulations in real operating environments.
  • Experience following or supporting SOPs and safe operating practices.
  • Ability to work cross‑functionally in support of explosives‑related activities across engineering, manufacturing, operations, and program teams.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%–50%, including domestic test sites and occasional international travel.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (DoD Secret or DOE L).
  • In this role, you will be subject to pre‑employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Military EOD or equivalent explosives operations background. EOD experience is especially valued given the need for broad explosives understanding and operational maturity.
  • Active U.S. Top Secret or DOE Q security clearance.
  • Experience with munitions field testing, explosives training, or supporting explosive operations environments.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred, but hands‑on explosives experience is more important than a specific degree path.
  • Experience operating in austere environments and engaging effectively with internal teams and external customers in the field.
US Salary Range

$129,000—$171,000 USD

Benefits

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including: At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.

Data Privacy

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/. By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third‑party service provider to conduct pre‑employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third‑party service provider provides risk‑intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public‑record information, and other lawful open‑source or commercial data sources. This third‑party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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