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Explosive Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ralliant

Manufacturing Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

Sustaining Manufacturing Engineer in support of Linear Explosive product lines * Remotely operated equipment to Load, Swag, Form & Cut explosive materials for Detonating/Deflagrating Cord and Shape ...

Ralliant

Manufacturing Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$67 - $124/hr

Sustaining Manufacturing Engineer in support of Linear Explosive product lines * Remotely operated equipment to Load, Swag, Form & Cut explosive materials for Detonating/Deflagrating Cord and Shape ...

Slope

Senior Warhead Design Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166 - $220/hr

Assemble/disassemble explosive test articles and precision targets. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * BS or higher degree in mechanical, aerospace, or another engineering discipline. * 2- 5+ years' work ...

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All JobsExplosive Engineer JobsExplosive Engineer Jobs in California

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.

Test Engineering Manager

Ensign-Bickford Industries, (EBI)

Moorpark, CA • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more.
Job Description
EBAD is seeking an experienced Test Engineering Manager to lead a team of Test Engineers supporting environmental, mechanical, and explosive testing across the product life cycle. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this role combines technical leadership, people development, and operational execution to ensure safe, rigorous, and efficient testing.
The Test Engineering Manager works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, EHS, Program Management, and customers to support product development, qualification, production, troubleshooting, and failure analysis.
This is a first-shift, on-site position in Moorpark, CA.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the safe and effective execution of environmental, mechanical, and explosive testing.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Test Engineers while building a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team.
  • Establish priorities, goals, and performance expectations aligned with EBAD business objectives and customer commitments.
  • Lead test planning, resource allocation, scheduling, Test Planning Meetings, and Qualification Test Readiness Reviews.
  • Ensure rigorous engineering practices for test planning, execution, data analysis, documentation, and configuration control.
  • Maintain visibility of schedules and risks, escalate issues early, and coordinate solutions across cross-functional teams.
  • Drive structured problem solving, RCCA, standard work, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
  • Support proposals, cost and scope estimates, customer interactions, witness testing, and technical reviews.
  • Improve test processes, equipment, fixtures, tooling, instrumentation, and laboratory capabilities.
  • Support capital planning for test equipment, infrastructure, and capability expansion.

Requirements:
  • BS/MS in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering experience, including test engineering experience in aerospace, defense, energetic systems, medical devices, or another high-reliability technical environment.
  • Minimum of 3 years of technical and/or people leadership experience in an engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, or test environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers and technical personnel.
  • Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
  • Strong project management, resource planning, and prioritization skills.
  • Effective written, verbal, technical, and customer-facing communication.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, test requirements, and test data.
  • Experience with 3D CAD and 2D drawings; SolidWorks preferred.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, rapid prototyping, and product development.

Preferred Experience:
  • Environmental and mechanical testing, including vibration, shock, altitude/vacuum, temperature, humidity, tensile, and compression testing.
  • Test instrumentation including oscilloscopes, thermocouples, accelerometers, pressure transducers, data acquisition systems, and VR9500 or similar systems.
  • Explosive materials, energetic devices, and/or explosive testing.
  • Experience improving engineering processes, standard work, test methods, or laboratory operations.

Compensation:
Salary Range: $150,000-$190,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

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