1

Explosive Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Engineer

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

Chemical Engineer The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical ... Knowledge of explosives safety standards, including DoW and NAVSEA explosives safety requirements

next page

Showing results 1-20

Explosive Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$42.9K

$130.7K

$216.1K

How much do explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for explosive engineer in Washington, DC is $130,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $170,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Explosive engineers, such as senior or specialized professionals in the field, can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-risk environments like mining, construction, or defense. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise, with some roles requiring specialized knowledge of explosives and safety protocols.

What engineers make $500,000?

Explosive engineers or specialized chemical engineers working in high-risk industries such as defense, aerospace, or mining can reach salaries around $500,000, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. These positions often require expertise in safety protocols, project management, and technical skills, and may involve working in hazardous environments or on large-scale projects.

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 does an explosives engineer do?

An explosives engineer designs, tests, and oversees the use of explosive materials for construction, mining, demolition, and military applications. They ensure safety protocols are followed and often hold certifications in handling hazardous materials. Their work involves precise calculations, understanding of chemistry, and adherence to safety standards.

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 the salary of an explosive engineer?

The salary of an explosive engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Professionals in this field often require specialized training and certifications, and may work in construction, mining, or military environments with varying pay scales.

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 most commonly searched types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Explosive Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Explosive Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Explosive Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Explosive Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Explosive Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,735 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Lead / Senior Engineer (Explosives / Energetics)

Lead / Senior Engineer (Explosives / Energetics)

V2X

Indian Head, MD

Other

Posted 12 days ago


V2X rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
This position description is subject to change at any time as needed to meet the requirements of the program or company.
 

Working across the globe, V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure from base to battlefield. We bring 120 years of successful mission support to improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness. Aligned around a shared purpose, our $3.9B company and 16,000 people work alongside our clients, here and abroad, to tackle their most complex challenges with integrity, respect, responsibility, and professionalism.

V2X is seeking Lead / Senior Engineers with experience in explosives / energetics processing, decontamination, demilitarization, and demolition to support our Government customer.

#clearance


Responsibilities

Major Job Activities: 

  • Create or edit process documents, particularly Work Review Forms (WRFs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Compile documents such as hazard analyses or engineering analyses.
  • Manage the costs associated with the thermal treatment of equipment and materials potentially presenting an explosive hazard, including preparation of cost reports.
  • Manage the explosives and explosives-contaminated materials to be thermally treated via incineration on-site
  • Ensuring compliance with all environmental, safety, and health regulations (Federal, State, Local, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc.).

In addition, the Lead Engineer will:

  • Establish and monitor project schedule throughout all phases.
  • Provide operations and planning support, including creation of documents pertaining to preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Provide permitting support with all relevant stakeholders.
  • Provide compliance support, i.e. Solid Waste Tonnage and EPA Method 22 Air Emissions reports.
  • Provide sampling support, including collection and analysis of samples.
  • Conduct quality control / quality assurance (QC/QA) efforts, including pre-work checklists.

Qualifications

Education / Certifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
  • Candidates shall maintain a current Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification (40-hour initial and eight (8) hour annual refresher training, as required).
  • Candidates shall complete and provide certificates for either the Basics of Naval Explosives Hazard Control (AMMO 18-DL) or the Naval Explosives Safety for Supervisors / Managers (AMMO-49-DL), as well as Military Munitions Rule training courses described in Appendix D of NAVSEA OP-5, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Ashore (no later than 30 days after hire).

Experience / Skills: 

  • Lead Senior Engineer: At least seven (7) years of experience in explosive processing, including two (2) years of experience specifically in decontamination, demilitarization and demolition.
  • Senior Engineer: At least five (5) years of experience in explosive processing, including one (1) year of experience specifically in decontamination, demilitarization and demolition.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and responsibility for ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Clearance Requirement:

  • At a minimum, candidates must possess an active Secret (Tier 3) level Security Clearance.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

Qualifications:

Education / Certifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
  • Candidates shall maintain a current Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification (40-hour initial and eight (8) hour annual refresher training, as required).
  • Candidates shall complete and provide certificates for either the Basics of Naval Explosives Hazard Control (AMMO 18-DL) or the Naval Explosives Safety for Supervisors / Managers (AMMO-49-DL), as well as Military Munitions Rule training courses described in Appendix D of NAVSEA OP-5, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Ashore (no later than 30 days after hire).

Experience / Skills: 

  • Lead Senior Engineer: At least seven (7) years of experience in explosive processing, including two (2) years of experience specifically in decontamination, demilitarization and demolition.
  • Senior Engineer: At least five (5) years of experience in explosive processing, including one (1) year of experience specifically in decontamination, demilitarization and demolition.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and responsibility for ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Clearance Requirement:

  • At a minimum, candidates must possess an active Secret (Tier 3) level Security Clearance.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

What V2X employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


V2X logo

About V2X

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1945