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Ordnance Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Ordnance Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$53.6K

$133.7K

$174.6K

How much do ordnance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for ordnance engineer in Chicago, IL is $133,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,600.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ordnance engineer?

Ordnance Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and oversee the production of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and related military equipment. They work to ensure the effectiveness, safety, and reliability of these systems for use by armed forces. Their roles may involve research, project management, field testing, and collaboration with other engineers and military officials. Ordnance Engineers often require knowledge in mechanical engineering, materials science, and ballistics. They play a critical role in national defense and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ordnance engineer?

To thrive as an Ordnance Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, physics, and materials science, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, ballistics modeling tools, and knowledge of military standards or safety certifications (such as DoD or ISO) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for designing safe, reliable ordnance systems and ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and performance standards.

What are some common challenges faced by ordnance engineers in ensuring safety during weapons development projects?

Ordnance Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining the highest safety standards throughout the design, testing, and manufacturing processes. Handling explosive materials, conducting live-fire tests, and ensuring compliance with strict governmental regulations require meticulous attention to detail and rigorous risk assessments. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including safety officers, quality assurance specialists, and manufacturing personnel—is essential to identify and mitigate hazards. Staying current with evolving safety protocols and technological advancements is also crucial to prevent accidents and ensure reliable performance.

What is the difference between Ordnance Engineer vs Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician?

AspectOrdnance EngineerExplosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in ordnance safetyExplosive ordnance disposal training, certifications in bomb disposal
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and manufacturing of ordnance in labs or factoriesField operations, bomb disposal sites, military or law enforcement settings
Industry UsageMilitary, defense contractors, manufacturingMilitary, law enforcement, specialized bomb disposal units

While both roles involve working with explosive devices, Ordnance Engineers focus on designing and testing ordnance, whereas EOD Technicians specialize in safely disarming and disposing of explosive devices in the field.

What are popular job titles related to Ordnance Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Ordnance Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ordnance Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Ordnance Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Ordnance Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Ordnance Engineer job openings:

Ordnance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ordnance Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Internship, and 58% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,699 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Powerplants Quality Assurance Representative Intermediate Level

Career Site

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$21 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

TASK DESCRIPTION: The incumbent of this task assists in implementing the COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 Series programs throughout the Intermediate Level (I-Level) powerplants work centers. TASK REQUIREMENTS: 1. Review technical publications and directives and prepares or assists in the preparation of required maintenance instructions. 2. Monitor the Collateral Duty Inspection (CDI)/Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR) program and review personal qualifications of nominees for CDI and CDQAR designation. 3. Investigate hazard reports, and assist in the preparation of various problem related reports. 4. Provide assistance to production personnel and conduct final inspections where required. 5. Perform periodic inspections of Intermediate work centers to evaluate compliance with COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 Series and other applicable instructions and directives. 6. Analyze information from Maintenance Data Reports, in developing discrepancy trends to identify failure areas and other maintenance problems. Review source documents and periodic inspection records and note recurring discrepancies requiring special action. 7. Review all Engineering Investigation requests, Quality Deficiency Reports, Technical Publication Deficiency Reports, Aircraft Discrepancy Reports, Hazardous Material Reports, Explosive Mishap Reports, and Conventional Ordnance Discrepancy Reports to ensure they are accurate, clear, and concise prior to mailing. 8. Obtain and use common and peculiar support equipment. Ensure production personnel have such equipment available, in operating condition, calibrated if applicable, and in use. 9. Support on-the-job training and cross training of Kuwait Air Force personnel.

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