Explosives Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 $71,500 to $89,500 / 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.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Planner supports manufacturing operations by executing core planning activities that ensure material readiness, scheduling accuracy, and smooth production flow. Using Microsoft D365 and related planning tools, the Planner maintains accurate manufacturing orders, monitors execution, manages inventory flow, and communicates updates across the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Create, maintain, and monitor manufacturing orders in D365, ensuring accurate routing, BOM data, work center assignments, and planning parameters
• Execute MRP transactions including firming, releasing, rescheduling, expediting, and clearing exceptions within required timeframes
• Monitor production progress against schedule; identify delays, bottlenecks, and risks, and recommend recovery or mitigation actions
• Maintain capacity and utilization data, including work center calendars, shift schedules, maintenance windows, and queue visibility
• Provide accurate capacity insights to support RCCP and MPS adjustments
• Track material availability, component flow, shortages, aging inventory, and discrepancies; support cycle count and inventory health reviews
• Coordinate cross-functional updates with Engineering, Production, Purchasing, Quality, and Program Management to ensure alignment with schedule requirements
• Validate shop floor activity through throughput checks, labor reporting review, and WIP visibility
• Partner with Engineering, Machine Shop, and Quality to ensure tooling, fixtures, routings, and parameters are production ready
• Participate in daily stand-ups, weekly D365 working sessions, and production readiness meetings
• Identify and support continuous improvement opportunities related to planning accuracy, system data, and process flow
• Maintain compliance with company policies, procedures, documentation standards, and operational expectations

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
• Support cross-functional initiatives, system improvements, audits, and process standardization; promote a culture of planning discipline, accuracy, and continuous improvement

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

N/A

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 2 years of experience in supply chain, planning, scheduling, or inventory management within a manufacturing environment.

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
• Professional certification by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) preferred
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production flow, and lean principles
• Proficiency in D365 for MO creation, routing/BOM accuracy, work center assignment, planning parameters
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret capacity, material availability, inventory signals, and production execution data
• High proficiency in Excel for shortage tracking, schedule tracking, WIP and inventory reporting
• Ability to interpret technical procedures, schedules, and diagrams to resolve issues
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports, present schedule risks, and collaborate effectively across the organization
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain data accuracy, and communicate delays/material risks

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: CED EEO Policy Statement

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.

#ZR