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Senior Explosive Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$103K - $159K/yr

... explosive growth in its flagship cloud product. We're seeking senior software and systems engineers ... specializing in reliability and platform services to join our transformative cloud journey. This ...

Senior Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$103K - $159K/yr

... explosive growth in its flagship cloud product. We're seeking senior software and systems engineers ... specializing in reliability and platform services to join our transformative cloud journey. This ...

Loyalty/Rewards Programming Qualifications, Education, & Experience: * Bachelor's Degree & minimum ... Experience working in a fast-moving, explosive-growth global brand. Skills Needed To Be Successful:

... explosive growth in digital infrastructure. We are looking for skilled engineers and managers to ... Senior Electrical Studies Engineers * Associate Project Managers - Critical Environments What These ...

... explosive growth in digital infrastructure. We are looking for skilled engineers and managers to ... Senior Electrical Studies Engineers * Associate Project Managers - Critical Environments What These ...

Junior Estimator

Chicago Heights, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The Estimating Department is a direct internal supplier for the Board, Sr Management, Sales, and ... Bachelor's degree in Sciences, Engineering, or Arts is preferred with a minimum of three (3) years ...

Junior Estimator

Chicago Heights, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The Estimating Department is a direct internal supplier for the Board, Sr Management, Sales, and ... Bachelor's degree in Sciences, Engineering, or Arts is preferred with a minimum of three (3) years ...

Senior Explosive Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$130.4K

$189K

How much do senior explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior explosive engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by senior explosive engineers when managing safety protocols on complex projects?

Senior Explosive Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing project deadlines with rigorous safety requirements. Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams can be demanding, especially on large or high-risk projects. Maintaining up-to-date documentation, conducting thorough risk assessments, and leading safety briefings are critical responsibilities. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential to navigate unexpected issues and keep all stakeholders informed and safe.

What is the difference between Senior Explosive Engineer vs Explosive Technician?

AspectSenior Explosive EngineerExplosive Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in explosives safetyTechnical certifications, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, supervision in industrial or military settingsHandling, loading, and testing explosives in controlled environments
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, defense projectsDemolition, safety testing, field operations

While both roles involve explosives, Senior Explosive Engineers focus on design, safety protocols, and supervision, whereas Explosive Technicians handle hands-on tasks like loading and testing explosives. The senior role requires advanced education and certifications, with a broader scope of responsibilities in planning and oversight.

What is a senior explosive engineer?

Senior Explosive Engineers are highly trained professionals who specialize in the safe design, handling, and application of explosives for various industries such as construction, mining, demolition, and defense. They are responsible for planning and overseeing explosive operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and mitigating risks associated with explosive materials. Their expertise is crucial in tasks like controlled demolitions, blasting, and research on new explosive technologies. In addition to technical knowledge, they must possess strong analytical and leadership skills to manage teams and projects safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior explosive engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Explosive Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of explosives engineering, safety regulations, blast design, and a relevant degree, often supported by years of field experience. Familiarity with blast modeling software, hazard analysis tools, and certifications such as ATF or IME credentials are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing complex projects and ensuring team safety. These competencies are essential to design safe, effective blasting solutions while minimizing risks and adhering to strict regulatory standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Explosive Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Senior Explosive Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,372 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc

Downers Grove, IL โ€ข On-site

$102K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

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 $102,000 to $138,500 / 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 Senior Manufacturing Engineer supports manufacturing operations by optimizing processes, designing tooling and fixtures, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides engineering oversight of manufacturing activities to improve efficiency, quality and delivery while supporting core operational processes.



Requirements:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Evaluate equipment and tooling performance to verify efficiency and process capability. Investigate deficiencies and initiate corrective actions to support operational excellence
  • Apply knowledge of product design, materials, and production processes to define assembly procedures and build sequences to drive operational efficiency
  • Drive the adoption of new technologies and processes across manufacturing production lines
  • Evaluate, analyze and troubleshoot manufacturing processes with focus on improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC). Participate in design and documentation reviews to ensure manufacturability of components and systems. Provide input to design teams regarding concepts and specifications to optimize equipment utilization and manufacturing methods
  • Define materials, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing methods to ensure safety and quality are incorporated into the process design
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure functionality of all manufacturing equipment and assets meet program requirements
  • Provide technical and hands-on support to production operations teams, resolving line-down situations and promoting operational sustainability with minimal management oversight
  • Influence the development of manufacturing strategy for the area of responsibility, including work cell layouts, equipment, tooling, and processes/systems
  • Manage CapEx projects to purchase or upgrade physical assets, machinery, or technology, often involving budgeting, project management, design oversight, and vendor interactions
  • Participate and facilitate PHAs (process hazard analysis) and JHA (job hazard analysis) teams

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Other special projects as assigned
  • Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
  • Ensures 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, and BACM

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A


EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree (B.S). in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or related field.


EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of 5 years professional and relevant experience
  • Aerospace and Defense industry experience is desired
  • Experience in interpreting and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Experience in the application of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and Design for Cost (DFC) principles


SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS

  • Lawful US Person (ITAR restrictions)
  • Must be eligible to possess explosives 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
  • Adept in preparing clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation
  • Use high level of judgment to make decisions and handle complex tasks or problems in areas of operational, product management, manufacturing, technology or engineering
  • Strong interpersonal communications to effectively present information and respond to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders
  • Working knowledge of CAD (Creo, SolidWorks, etc.) and Manufacturing ERP systems
  • Strong capabilities and experience supporting manufacturing production lines, e.g., resolving line-down events, troubleshooting, and creating standard operating procedures and work instructions
  • Ability to prioritize and maintain multiple concurrent schedules
  • Working knowledge of lean six sigma processes and continuous improvement, and participation in LSS events
  • Experience participating or leading failure analysis or FMEA events


PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 30 pounds unassisted and intermittently throughout workday. Vision requirements may include color and depth perception or may be subject to additional customer or contractual requirements. Use of computer for extended periods of time.


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: EEOC Know Your Rights

CED’s EEO Policy Statement is available here: CED EEO Policy Statement


CED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to Humanresources@ced.us.com or call (630) 969-0620and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.


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