1

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

CED's Senior Mechanical Engineer holds technical accountability in developing new products and ... Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as ...

... 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 · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... 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 ...

... 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 25, 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 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 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.

How much do senior explosive engineers get paid?

Senior explosive engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. They often require specialized certifications and work in environments with strict safety protocols, which can influence compensation levels.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,372 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Socket.dev

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$103 - $139/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Requirements

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 $102,500 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.

  • medical
  • dental
  • vision coverage
  • paid time off
  • disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • life insurance
  • other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages
  • parental leave
  • adoption assistance
  • tuition assistance
  • employer/partner discounts

CED follows a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

JOB SUMMARY:

CED's Senior Mechanical Engineer holds technical accountability in developing new products and supporting existing legacy devices for military, aerospace, pyrotechnic, pneumatic, or electro-mechanical devices throughout the product lifecycle. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be the specialist on complex technical and product matters.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Create solid models using Creo 4.0 software (with Windchill)
  • Generate detailed drawings per ANSI Y14.5M requirements by applying correct dimensional tolerances and GD&T best practices
  • Perform engineering calculations in support of technical analysis, utilizing tools such as Matlab, Mathcad, Ansys, etc.
  • Build, test, and evaluate prototypes
  • Lead internal and customer driven technical meetings consisting of but not limited to System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and Production Readiness Reviews (PRR)
  • Develop technical documentation including assembly and test procedures, presentations, SOWs, and BOMs.
  • Conduct stress and thermal analysis using FEA software and classical methods
  • Manage complex technical programs during all phases of the product’s life cycle
  • Support legacy production jobs through disposition of nonconforming hardware, updating build documentation, supporting product improvement initiatives, and assisting in failure investigations
  • Maintain customer management with little or no supervision
  • Assist in proposal development by generating and reviewing management, technical, and cost proposal volumes
  • Provide project status updates, both internal and external, when required
  • Assist with the identification of project risk (cost, schedule, technical) for assigned engineering efforts
  • Review customer requests, ensuring that they comply with project contractual agreements and don’t evolve into scope creep
  • Serve as a resource for less experienced engineers who seek answers to best-practice or program-related questions
  • Perform the above functions in relation to project schedules throughout Concept, Design, Development, Pre-Production, and Production
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Follow all company policies and procedures
  • Other duties/responsibilities as assigned
  • Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

N/A

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in engineering; Master's degree in engineering preferred.

EXPERIENCE:
  • Minimum of 7 years related experience; or equivalent combination of postgraduate education and experience.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in solid modeling (preferably Creo 4.0 or higher)
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in generating detailed drawings per ANSI Y14.5M requirements with knowledge of dimensional tolerances, tolerance stack-ups, and GD&T best practices
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience generating engineering calculations in support of technical analysis using Matlab, Mathcad, Ansys, etc. Strong skillset for stress analysis and FEA (finite element analysis) preferred
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience participating in a test environment, including creating test procedures
  • Previous project engineering experience is required
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.
  • Experience and industry knowledge with a background in energetics, prime commercial contractors in the U.S. aerospace, space, and defense industries, preferred, including DoD, NASA, the USAF, and USN desired; experience with similar devices applicable to missiles and space is preferred
  • Expertise in rigorous engineering principles and processes is a mandatory requirement
  • Familiar with principles of systems engineering
  • Knowledge of procedures in a safety-focused organization and familiarity with HSE fundamentals is required
  • Ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ability to direct and document design and test activities
  • Experience with pyrotechnic devices, energetic materials, or high-pressure gas systems, preferred
  • Expertise in rigorous engineering principles and processes is a mandatory requirement
#J-18808-Ljbffr