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Explosive Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as ... Expertise in rigorous engineering principles and processes is a mandatory requirement * Familiar ...

Ensure compliance with applicable Company Engineering and Design standards for the manufacture of explosives and hazardous materials. * Ensure compliance with applicable HSE rules, regulations, and ...

CMM Programmer - Ensure Precision in Parts That Power Space and Defense As a CMM Programmer, you ... Must be eligible to possess explosive under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as ...

CMM Programmer - Ensure Precision in Parts That Power Space and Defense As a CMM Programmer, you ... Must be eligible to possess explosive under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as ...

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by ... Regularly inspects stored explosives according to manufactures' recommendations and government ...

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by ... Regularly inspects stored explosives according to manufactures' recommendations and government ...

The Engineering Manager is a department leader who holds responsibility for execution of New ... Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as ...

... explosive growth in its flagship cloud product. We're seeking senior software and systems engineers ... specializing in reliability and platform services to join our transformative cloud journey. This ...

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Explosive Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$36.8K

$112.3K

$185.6K

How much do explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for explosive engineer in Illinois is $112,276.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $146,800.00 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 Illinois?

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

Infographic showing various Explosive Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,276 per year, or $54 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer II

Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

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 $84,000 to $108,500 / 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:

CED’s Mechanical Engineer II holds technical accountability in developing new products and supporting existing legacy devices for military, aerospace, pyrotechnic, pneumatic, or electro-mechanical devices throughout the product lifecycle. The Mechanical Engineer II will be the specialist on complex technical and product matters.

Requirements:


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Create solid models using Creo software (with Windchill)
  • Generate detailed drawings per ANSI Y14.5M requirements by applying correct dimensional tolerances and GD&T best practices
  • Perform engineering calculations in support of technical analysis, utilizing tools such as Matlab, Mathcad, Ansys, etc.
  • Build, test, and evaluate prototypes
  • Lead internal and customer driven technical meetings consisting of but not limited to System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and Production Readiness Reviews (PRR)
  • Develop technical documentation including assembly and test procedures, presentations, SOWs, and BOMs.
  • Manage complex technical programs during all phases of the product’s life cycle
  • Support legacy production jobs through disposition of nonconforming hardware, updating build documentation, supporting product improvement initiatives, and assisting in failure investigations
  • Maintain customer management with little supervision
  • Assist in proposal development by generating and reviewing management, technical, and cost proposal volumes
  • Provide project status updates, both internal and external, when required
  • Assist with the identification of project risk (schedule, technical) for assigned engineering efforts
  • Review customer requests, ensuring that they comply with project contractual agreements and mitigate scope creep
  • Serve as a resource for less experienced engineers who seek answers to best-practice or program-related questions
  • Perform the above functions in relation to project schedules throughout Concept, Design, Development, Pre-Production, and Production

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

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

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

N/A


EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering; Master’s degree in engineering preferred.


EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum of 3 years experience in CAD modeling (preferably Creo 8.0 or higher), including detailed drawing generation compliant to ANSI Y14.5M GD&T
  • Minimum of 3 years experience generating engineering calculations in support of technical analysis utilizing Mathcad, Matlab or Ansys

SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Lawful US person (ITAR restrictions)
  • Must be eligible to possess explosive 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.
  • Ability to document design activities to support all stages of a program including PDR, CDR, DRR, TRR, etc.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business information, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from various stakeholders such as managers, clients, customers and the general public.
  • Ability to work within an agile and milestone driven culture and be capable of working with peers on a multidisciplinary team.

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 much of the time but may involve routine periods of walking or standing. Daily and extensive use of computer.


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


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