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Pyrotechnic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Pyrotechnic Engineer information

See California salary details

$35.3K

$102.9K

$169.9K

How much do pyrotechnic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for pyrotechnic engineer in California is $102,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,890.00 and $125,830.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What does a typical work environment look like for a Pyrotechnic Engineer?

Pyrotechnic Engineers often split their time between laboratory settings, outdoor testing facilities, and the office for design and planning tasks. They typically work within multidisciplinary teams that may include fellow engineers, safety specialists, and event organizers to ensure displays meet both creative and regulatory standards. The role can involve site visits, hands-on setup, and supervising live demonstrations, especially during public performances or product testing. Flexibility and rigorous attention to safety procedures are key, as projects may require evening or weekend work to accommodate event schedules.

How much do pyrotechnic engineers make?

Pyrotechnic engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced roles or those working on large productions may earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and certifications in explosives safety and handling. Salaries can vary based on project complexity and employer size.

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

To thrive as a Pyrotechnic Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, often demonstrated by a relevant degree and experience with explosive materials. Familiarity with specialized simulation software, safety management systems, and compliance certifications such as a Hazardous Materials Handling License is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, innovative pyrotechnic displays while ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing risks.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or executive-level positions.

What does a pyrotechnic engineer do?

A pyrotechnic engineer designs, develops, and tests fireworks, special effects, and explosive devices for entertainment, military, or industrial purposes. They ensure safety standards are met and often work with chemicals, engineering principles, and specialized tools in controlled environments. Certification and knowledge of regulations are important in this field.

What is a Pyrotechnic Engineer job?

A Pyrotechnic Engineer designs, tests, and oversees the production of fireworks, explosives, and other pyrotechnic devices for entertainment, military, or industrial applications. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to ensure safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. Their work involves developing formulations, conducting safety tests, and troubleshooting performance issues.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pyrotechnic Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Pyrotechnic Engineer jobs in California are:
Manager - Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives with Security Clearance

Manager - Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives with Security Clearance

Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) offers a diverse range of capabilities that enable and support the effective implementation of technical and programmatic mission assurance activities on space systems, launch systems, and related systems. MSD staff support all program phases beginning with pre-contract evaluations, design and development activities followed by build, test, and pedigree review, launch, initialization, and operations events. MSD is the ETG source of expertise in moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs), ordnance-driven devices, other explosives applications and high-velocity impact analysis, separation systems and analyses, ball bearings, gears, valves, component mass properties, related technologies, and exploitation of our knowledge and tools in solving non-traditional and emerging problems. We are looking for an Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives Manager (Explosives - Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering). What You'll Be Doing * Plan and lead technical projects and evaluations for space, launch and missile systems and other customers related to separation and deployment systems, explosive devices, and hydrocode analysis
* Identify, select, and assign engineering personnel, monitor quality of work, report progress, resolve significant technical issues, and assure project success
* Cultivate and maintain strong and effective working relationships with government partners, contractors, and Aerospace organizations in the Engineering Technology Group and Program Offices
* Develop and execute strategic planning to establish and improve the organization's technical capabilities, analysis tools, standards, and documentation
* Set and manage expectations to inspire staff with technical excellence and product delivery
* Conduct staff performance assessments and direct career development, training, and establish staffing needs to meet department goals
* Participate in the development/refinement of analysis tools and techniques, including hydrocode analysis methodologies What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or engineering
* Five or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience
* Experience with the design, integration, and testing related to explosive/pyrotechnic devices and systems typical of launch vehicles, missile systems, and spacecraft
* Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites approximately 10% as required
* This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: * Master's or PhD degree in a STEM field including relevant coursework (e.g., conservation laws, continuum mechanics)
* Understanding properties of energetic materials, detonation, deflagration, ignition methods, sensitivity, combustion, or thermochemistry
* Understanding physics of shock and impact, ballistic penetration, dynamic behavior of materials, damage, or fracture
* Experience with types of analyses to examine design alternatives, investigate failures, verify performance and/or check compliance with applicable specifications
* Experience in the use of explicit transient hydrocode and finite element analysis tools (e.g., CTH, LS-DYNA)
* Knowledge of AIAA-S-113, RCC 319, MIL-DTL-23659, SMC-S-016 standards
* Current and active TS/SCI security clearance We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. (Min - Max)
$134,200.00 - $201,300.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: * Operate Strategically * Lead Change * Engage with Impact * Foster Innovation * Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: * Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
* Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
* Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
* 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
* Flexible spending accounts
* Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
* Relocation assistance
* Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
* Education assistance programs
* An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .