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Senior Explosive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ERG

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Indian Head, MD

$97K - $133K/yr

ERG is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead and oversee complex manufacturing operations ... The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of explosives safety regulations, exceptional ...

ERG

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

ERG is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead and oversee complex manufacturing operations ... The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of explosives safety regulations, exceptional ...

GDIT

Electronic Engineer Senior

Rochester, MN · On-site

$107K - $108K/yr

Yes Electronics Engineer Senior Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as an Electronics Engineer Senior supporting Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device(RCIED) Electronic ...

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All JobsSenior Explosive Engineer Jobs

Senior Explosive Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior explosive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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 are Senior Explosive Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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:
What job categories do people searching Senior Explosive Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Explosive Engineer jobs are:
Senior Explosive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Explosive Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Flight Termination System (Starship)

Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Flight Termination System (Starship)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER, FLIGHT TERMINATION SYSTEM (STARSHIP)
As a member of the Flight Termination System team, you will have the exciting opportunity to be responsible for the design of the Starship Flight Termination System hardware and explosives! You will demonstrate extreme ownership through deep understanding of the functionality, design, and requirements from concept to delivery of hardware. You will have ownership over the entire development process of Flight Termination System hardware including hardware design, analysis, production facility layout, electromechanical assembly, live ordnance assembly, environmental testing, and vehicle integration. As an extreme owner you will be responsible for interfacing with regulatory partners to implement, tailor, and challenge space industry regulatory requirements to achieve the best outcomes. Our development timelines are aggressive and the Flight Termination System is one of the few safety critical systems on the vehicle. The hardware that makes up the FTS requires extremely high levels of rigor and you will solve very challenging problems at the intersection of safety critical hardware and high explosives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop state-of-the-art, manufacturable explosive devices and robust hardware integration designs (system controllers, electronic safe and arm devices, destruct charges, and integrated detonators) for the Starship and Super Heavy stage Flight Termination System. Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate component deliveries
  • Validate reliability of hardware and designs with rigorous testing in shock, vibration, thermal cycling, climatic and live fire testing. Design experiments to ground analysis, develop fixturing, and create technical reports based on results
  • Partner with manufacturing, production, testing, and supply chain to achieve SpaceX's highest-yet component build rate, striving for high factory yield and automotive volume/cost. Accelerate component delivery to >1 full stacked launch vehicle per month
  • Generate and maintain detailed drawings, component specifications, analysis and risk assessments
  • Spearhead root cause investigations that arise in development, production, test, integration and launch, implement corrective actions to prevent repeat failures
  • Set the standard for highly reliable component design and qualification testing to strict regulatory standards
  • Achieve zero in-flight anomalies of flight termination system components. Reduce component-caused production and launch delays, and minimize containments.
  • Act as the chief engineer, collaborating with stage, avionics, and flight safety teams to arrive at the simplest solution for the vehicle. Inform system-level architecture, with component capabilities and vulnerabilities in mind, to minimize cost of payload to orbit

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and/or hands-on manufacturing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for problem solving, and desire to optimize modern rocket production and launch processes
  • 5+ years of experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems via professional work experience, project/research-based student experience, or a combination of both
  • Experience with LSDYNA/ANSYS, BlastX, CHEETA, and/or Hydrocode
  • Master's degree or 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
  • Experience designing, building, testing and troubleshooting mechanical systems
  • Strong project management skills and effective communication of technical concepts across multi-disciplinary teams
  • Hands-on experience with high voltage, electronics, or explosives
  • Leadership experience on a project or research team
  • Experience using test instrumentation and control components (e.g. pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, relays, solenoid valves, etc.)
  • Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, actuators, motors, or explosives
  • Understanding of fundamental principles of explosives, solid mechanics, and dynamics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
  • Must be willing to handle and test high explosive devices
  • Must be willing and able to obtain ATF explosives clearance
  • Must be willing to travel (< 25%)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay range:
Sr. Mechanical Engineer: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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