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Explosive Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Explosive Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$114.3K

$189K

How much do explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for explosive engineer in California is $114,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an explosive engineer do?

An Explosive Engineer specializes in the safe design, handling, and use of explosives for various applications such as mining, demolition, and construction. They analyze blast requirements, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and oversee controlled detonations. Their work involves risk assessment, environmental considerations, and collaboration with other engineers to achieve project goals efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an explosive engineer?

To succeed as an Explosive Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, physics, and materials science, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree and specialized training in explosives. Familiarity with modeling software, blast simulation tools, and certifications such as ATF licensing or IMES compliance are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies are critical for ensuring safety, complying with regulations, and delivering successful project outcomes involving hazardous materials.

What is a typical work environment like for an explosive engineer?

Explosive Engineers often split their time between office-based planning and on-site fieldwork, which can include mines, construction sites, or testing facilities. You may collaborate closely with safety officers, site managers, and regulatory authorities to design, implement, and monitor controlled explosions. The role frequently involves strict adherence to safety protocols, detailed documentation, and ongoing risk assessments to ensure compliance with local and federal regulations. While the environment can be high-pressure and requires the utmost precision, it also offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology and be part of multidisciplinary teams tackling complex engineering challenges.

What are the most commonly searched types of Explosive Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Explosive Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Explosive Engineer jobs in California?

For Explosive Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Explosive Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Explosive Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Explosive Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Explosive Engineer job openings:

Explosive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosive Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,347 per year, or $55 per hour.

What does an Explosives Expert do

Practical Adult Insights

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform tasks related to detonating and analyzing explosives, including analyzing detonation sites and selecting appropriate blasting materials and techniques.

  • Plan and execute blasting operations for demolition, mining, construction, or other projects, including determining placement, quantity, and safety precautions.

  • Advise on the safe transport, handling, storage, and disposal of explosive devices and materials.

Job description

An explosives expert performs a wide range of tasks, including detonating and analyzing explosives, analyzing detonation sites, and choosing the best blasting materials and techniques for a project. Sometimes, these experts are used on movie and television production sets, but more mundane jobs are the norm. They also work with scientists and technicians in researching and implementing new explosive products and methods.

Explosives experts are found in many industries, including the commercial, public, and military sectors. The commercial sector often uses them to evaluate blasting materials used in engineering and mining operations. In the public sector, they commonly plan and implement the actual blasting needed for demolition; this can include creating holes and channels for gravel and granite mines, swimming pool construction and general excavation projects. The military sometimes employs such experts to advise on explosives manufacturing and applications.

In addition to planning and executing explosions, an expert in explosives are commonly needed to advise on the safe transport and handling of explosive devices and materials. When storage facilities for explosives are being designed and built, an expert is often consulted to recommend the safest materials and design for the project. She is sometimes recruited to detonate abandoned explosives or remove suspected ones from public places.

Construction companies regularly involved in demolition sometimes have a full-time explosives expert on staff. She inspects areas targeted for demolition, determines the best type and amount of blasting material for the job, and decides what safety precautions need to be taken. The expert often takes the next step of strategically placing the explosives into the structure, compacting them, and ultimately setting off the charge.

If drilling holes for insertion of explosives is needed, she decides where the holes are drilled, their depth, and how much powder is needed to effectively complete the job. Common explosives used for these types of jobs include slurries, black powder, aluminum nitrate, dynamite and ammonium nitrate. In some cases, the expert sets up remote detonation equipment to execute the blast.

This can be a potentially dangerous job, and precautions and protective steps are needed to prevent harm to the explosives expert. Protective clothing and equipment should be provided, and emergency medical personnel should be nearby during all explosion projects.

A career as an explosives expert can be rewarding if a person enjoys working in high-pressure atmospheres. It is necessary for this person to have exceptional analytical and planning skills to accurately set up and set off explosives. She also needs to demonstrate a calm demeanor and never veer from logical and responsible thinking.

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