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Explosive Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The successful candidate will provide general knowledge and subject matter expertise as a Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineer with a background in combustion and/or explosives in support of ...

The successful candidate will provide general knowledge and subject matter expertise as a Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineer with a background in combustion and/or explosives in support of ...

Combat engineers primarily supervise, serve or assist as a member of a team when they are tackling ... Place and detonate explosives * Conduct operations that include route clearance of obstacles and ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$74.60K - $101.10K/yr

... civil explosives industry. The successful candidate will follow designs through the entire ... Design and Engineering: • Prepare design calculations, solid models, detailed drafts, and bills ...

Mechanical Design Engineer I

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$74.60K - $101.10K/yr

... civil explosives industry. The successful candidate will be involved in the entire product ... Design and Engineering: • Develop and prepare design calculations, solid models, drafts, and ...

The general engineer will conduct a thorough vulnerability assessments across various ... Vulnerability Assessment and Protection Option (VAPO), Component Explosives Damage Assessment ...

The general engineer will conduct a thorough vulnerability assessments across various ... Vulnerability Assessment and Protection Option (VAPO), Component Explosives Damage Assessment ...

Specialist, Quality Engineer

Culpeper, VA

$69.30K - $89.50K/yr

Specialist, Quality Engineer Job Code: 35819 Job Location: Orange, VA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees ... Experience working with and around chemicals and/or explosives is also desirable. * Working with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Explosive Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$37.7K

$114.9K

$189.9K

How much do explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for explosive engineer in Virginia is $114,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $150,200.00 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 in the Explosive Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

Which engineers make $100,000?

Explosive engineers, also known as explosive specialists or blasters, can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as OSHA or DOT. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and project complexity, with those working in construction, mining, or demolition often reaching or exceeding this level.
What are the most commonly searched types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Explosive Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Explosive Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Explosive Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,871 per year, or $55.2 per hour.

Engineering SME

Berriehill Research

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Missons, Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for an Engineering SME. The successful candidate will provide general knowledge and subject matter expertise as a Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineer with a background in combustion and/or explosives in support of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The candidate will work closely with other members of the multi-disciplinary Reachback team. Required tasks include performing complex engineering and scientific modeling and analyses and providing scientific reports and technical assessments to military decision makers. Each Technical Reachback team member is cross trained on all models and undergoes a rigorous certification process on the use of our CBRNE models before becoming an active member of the Reachback team.  The successful candidate will be team-oriented and possess strong multi-tasking abilities. In addition, this position requires the use of models in all areas of CBRNE. Tasks also include the presentation of modeling results and decision support aids to both internal and external customers in the form of written reports and oral presentations.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. provides operational support, research and development, subject matter expertise, and decision support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) as part of its 24/7/365 Reachback contract. The DTRA Technical Reachback team’s prime focus is to respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and (high yield) Explosive (CBRNE) related requests for information (RFIs) from the Combatant Commands (COCOMs), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Joint Staff (JS), Intelligence Community (IC), command elements, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), other U.S. Government agencies, and first responders.

Essential Functions:

  • Reviewing current research in various and potentially diverse subject areas for familiarity and relevance
  • Providing general knowledge and combustion or explosive-related subject matter expertise to government agencies and first responders
  • Assisting in the development of program plans, timelines, and technical documents
  • Attending technical and programmatic meetings in which you coordinate responses from scientific community members and review the assembled materials for technical accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
  • Willingness to be cross-trained to provide modeling and information across the CBRNE spectrum.

Required Qualifications:

  • MS in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Chemical or related field) with expertise in Combustion or Explosives
  • Must have 2+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer, Materials Engineer or Chemical Engineer focusing on combustion or explosives
  • Candidate should be able and willing to work rotating shifts in support of 24/7/365 operations
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD Top Secret clearance

Desired Qualifications:

  • Active US DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance
  • Experience working with organizations within DTRA or the DoD as well as other government agencies
  • Experience in Combating WMD threats or CBRN threats (primarily through modeling and simulation and/or test experience)
  • Experience in CBRNE/WMD with a focus on chemical weapons, hazardous chemicals, and other toxic industrial materials
  • Experience with modeling and simulation

 

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs 1100 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Engineering SME position.