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Forensic Explosives information

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$43.5K

$128.4K

$325K

How much do forensic explosives jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic explosives in the United States is $128,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Explosives Expert, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Explosives Expert, you need a background in chemistry or forensic science, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training in explosives analysis. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is critical. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help experts meticulously examine evidence and convey findings in legal or investigative settings. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring accurate analysis, supporting criminal investigations, and maintaining safety when handling hazardous materials.

What is the difference between Forensic Explosives vs Forensic Ballistics Technician?

AspectForensic ExplosivesForensic Ballistics Technician
CredentialsCriminal justice, chemistry, or forensic science degrees; certifications in explosives analysisCriminal justice, forensic science degrees; firearms and ballistics certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, crime scenes involving explosions, field investigationsCrime labs, shooting scenes, firearm analysis labs
Industry UsageExplosive-related crimes, terrorism investigationsGun-related crimes, shooting incident investigations

While both roles involve forensic analysis, Forensic Explosives specialists focus on analyzing explosive devices and related materials, often working with bomb scenes and explosive residues. Forensic Ballistics Technicians primarily analyze firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases to link weapons to crimes. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in forensic laboratories or crime scenes, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What are common challenges faced by forensic explosives specialists during investigations?

Forensic explosives specialists often encounter challenges such as working in hazardous environments, handling unstable materials, and preserving evidence integrity at blast scenes. They must carefully collect and analyze trace residues while maintaining strict safety protocols. Additionally, these professionals frequently collaborate with law enforcement, bomb squads, and laboratory teams to piece together evidence and provide expert testimony, requiring strong communication and meticulous attention to detail.

What are Forensic Explosives experts?

Forensic Explosives experts are specialists who analyze explosives, explosive residues, and related materials as part of criminal investigations. They work to determine the type of explosive used, how it was constructed, and possibly trace its origin. Their findings are often crucial for solving crimes involving bombs or illegal explosives, and they may also testify in court as expert witnesses. These professionals typically have backgrounds in chemistry, forensic science, or engineering, and work in laboratories or with law enforcement agencies.
Digital Forensics Examiner (DFE)

Digital Forensics Examiner (DFE)

Parra Consulting Group, Inc

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Parra Consulting Group, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Digital Forensics Examiner (DFE) with a strong Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) background to provide technical analysis and support to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This position supports the C5ISR Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, delivering vital technical and forensic intelligence on improvised threats and commercial-based technologies (CBTs).

The successful candidate will perform technical exploitation and dissemination of actionable intelligence to support U.S. and coalition forces, focused on identifying enemy TTPs, emerging technologies, and device trends.


This successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • Conduct Weapons Technical Intelligence (WTI) analysis using a variety of sources: photos, X-rays, physical inspection, and intelligence reporting.
  • Examine recovered Collectible Exploitable Materiel (CEM) to identify critical and hazardous components (e.g., IED power sources, firing systems, initiators).
  • Perform in-depth analysis of IEDs, Unmanned Systems (UxS), and other improvised threats to identify technical signatures, components, and operational methods.
  • Evaluate and assess historical and emerging device threats, including the use of Commercial Based Technologies (CBTs) for operational purposes.
  • Exploit multi-discipline intelligence (TECHINT, SIGINT/CYBER, MASINT) and contribute to finished intelligence products.
  • Travel to CONUS/OCONUS locations (including conflict zones) for mission-critical briefings and technical support.
  • Provide research and authored assessments to support operations, engineering partners, and senior leadership across DoD and partner agencies.
  • Contribute to WTI device profiling, trend analysis, and exploitation database entries (e.g., WEAT, SOFEX).
  • Present and defend assessments to technical and operational stakeholders in the CEM exploitation community.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Active TS/SCI.
  • BA/BS or associate's degree plus3 yrs. experience or 6 yrs. of experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze CBTs, assess threat impacts, and profile IEDs based on build signatures.
  • Experience with EOD radiographic imaging systems and X-ray interpretation.
  • Knowledge of technical exploitation tools, intelligence databases, and DoD exploitation procedures.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to brief leadership and mission partners.
  • Familiarity with CENTCOM, AFRICOM, or other COCOM AORs.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and intelligence automation tools.
  • Experience working in a theater-level exploitation laboratory.
  • Familiarity with RCIEDs, UxS, and related commercial-based technologies.
  • Experience supporting Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) and providing mission-based threat assessments.
  • Understanding of WTI Exploitation and Analysis Tool (WEAT), WTI IED Lexicon, and related device profiling resources.
  • Collaborative experience with engineering/technical teams on joint technical products.

Why Join Us?

Parra Consulting Group offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your leadership and expertise will drive project success. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a high-impact team and contribute to the company's growth and operational excellence.

Apply