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Explosives Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Product Engineer - High Explosives PRT

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

In this role, you will support the High Explosives (HE) Product Realization Team (PRT), contributing to HE material characterization, process development, producibility, surveillance, and the release ...

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$24.8K

$27.1K

How much do explosives jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for explosives in California is $24,751.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,200.00 and $25,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an explosives job?

An explosives job involves handling, transporting, and using explosive materials for various applications such as construction, mining, demolition, or military operations. Professionals in this field must follow strict safety protocols and regulations to prevent accidents. Depending on the role, they may design explosive devices, conduct controlled detonations, or ensure compliance with legal requirements. Training and certification are often required to work safely with explosives.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in explosives?

Professionals in explosives roles are commonly tasked with safely transporting, storing, and handling explosive materials, as well as preparing and executing controlled detonations following strict protocols. Daily duties may include conducting site inspections, maintaining detailed records, and coordinating with engineers, safety personnel, and regulatory agencies. The role often requires careful teamwork to assess and mitigate risks, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure compliance with federal and local laws. These responsibilities help ensure all explosive operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and within regulatory guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in explosives, and why are they important?

To thrive in an explosives role, you need strong knowledge of chemical properties, safety protocols, and physical handling, often backed by specialized training or certifications such as a federal explosives license or hazardous materials endorsement. Familiarity with detonation equipment, safety monitoring systems, and regulatory compliance platforms is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are important soft skills for this position. These skills ensure safe handling, legal compliance, and the successful execution of explosive-related tasks in high-risk environments.

How much do explosives workers make?

Explosives workers, such as blasters or demolition experts, typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certification and safety training are essential, and many work in construction, mining, or demolition environments with strict safety protocols.

How to become an explosives specialist?

To become an explosives specialist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in explosive materials and safety protocols. Many roles require certification from agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and experience in handling hazardous materials, often gained through military or law enforcement training programs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Explosives jobs in California?

The most popular types of Explosives jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Explosives jobs in California?

For Explosives jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Explosives jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Explosives jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Explosives jobs?

Cities in California with the most Explosives job openings:

Explosives jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosives job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $24,751 per year, or $11.9 per hour.

Energetics Chemist-Propulsion/Explosives (California)

GTN Technical Staffing

Hollister, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Explosives Chemist-R&D (Energetic Materials, Propellent, Explosive)


Overview

We are seeking an R&D Chemist to support the development and production of energetic materials used in safety-critical devices, including automotive airbags, aircraft evacuation slide inflators, and emergency hatch/canopy separation systems. This role combines hands-on lab work with formulation development, hazard analysis, and production support.

Key Responsibilities

  • Formulate and develop propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnic mixtures for use in safety devices
  • Handle and process explosive powders, mixtures, and other energetic materials in accordance with safety protocols
  • Conduct wet chemistry work related to fuel and oxidizer components for energetic formulations
  • Write and execute test plans for new and existing formulations
  • Perform hazard analyses on materials, processes, and formulations
  • Support production/manufacturing operations, ensuring formulations transition successfully from lab to scale
  • Maintain documentation and compliance related to explosive material handling and safety standards
  • Provide training or mentorship on safe explosive handling practices to other personnel, as needed

Required Qualifications

  • Hands-on laboratory experience (chemistry, materials science, or related discipline)
  • Demonstrated experience handling propellants, explosives, and/or energetic powders
  • Experience writing technical test plans and conducting hazard/safety analyses
  • Background in explosives, propellants, or pyrotechnics formulation or manufacturing

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in production/manufacturing environments for energetic materials
  • Experience teaching or training others in explosive handling procedures
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements governing energetic materials (e.g., DOT, ATF, DoD standards, as applicable)

Working Conditions

  • Role involves regular exposure to explosive powders, mixtures, and other hazardous materials
  • Requires strict adherence to safety protocols in lab and production settings

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