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Senior Explosive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Chemical Engineer

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions ... The ideal Senior Chemical Engineer candidate must be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset ...

Senior Process Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

UDR is seeking qualified candidates for a Senior Process Engineer opportunity in Richland, WA ... Have experience with energetics or explosives system design. (synthesis, handling, mixing, and ...

Senior Process Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

UDR is seeking qualified candidates for a Senior Process Engineer opportunity in Richland, WA ... Have experience with energetics or explosives system design. (synthesis, handling, mixing, and ...

Senior Landfill Engineer

Maumee, OH · On-site

$43 - $62/hr

MSG is seeking a Senior Landfill Engineer to join our growing environmental and solid waste team ... Support groundwater monitoring, explosive gas monitoring, stormwater management, and erosion ...

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Senior Electronics Hardware Engineer (5+ Years Experience) Fairfield, NJ Autoclear, LLC - Fairfield ... explosive/narcotics detection equipment used by government agencies, airports, military ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Explosive Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior explosive engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 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.
More about Senior Explosive Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Explosive Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Explosive Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Explosive Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Explosive Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Explosive Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Explosive Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Explosive Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Chemical Engineer

ARA

Indian Head, MD • On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

ARA's team solves problems related to national defense and security. We are actively seeking an eager and experienced Senior Chemical Engineer for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. The engineer will assist with start up of large and small Nitramine Grinding Operations. The ideal Senior Chemical Engineer candidate must be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders.
Work Environment Details: The duties of this role must be performed entirely onsite within a high-activity environment that features standard industrial/office lighting and ambient noise. Because continuous proximity to the team and operations is an essential function of the position, certain workspace modifications-such as isolating the worker in a quiet, dimly lit, or entirely private office-cannot be accommodated while fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.
Employment is contingent upon the successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance, granted by the sponsoring agency.
Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be US citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.
As a Senior Chemical Engineer at NSWC-IH, your position will include the following key responsibilities.
  • Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.
  • Train personnel and problem solve to meet critical capabilities
  • Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
  • Apply expertise in analytical techniques to facilitate process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.
  • Lead development of test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.
  • Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
  • Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
  • Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
  • In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
  • Lead regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
  • Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.
  • Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

Senior Chemical Engineer Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related scientific field with 8 - 10 years of related work experience, or a Master's degree with 6 - 8 years of experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
  • Proven expertise in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
  • Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
  • Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam
  • Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

Senior Chemical Engineer Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree in an engineering or related technical field is preferred.
  • Extensive experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials for defense applications.
  • Deep understanding of process engineering integration, especially within complex production environments for explosives and energetic materials.
  • Experience in managing production modernization projects, particularly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities.
  • Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly desired.
  • Professional Engineer license

Applied Research Associates, Inc. Company Information:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices.
Anticipated Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.