SUMMARYThe Explosives Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that all explosive-related activities at the site are conducted safely, compliantly, and effectively. This role is the steward of internal explosives policies for their site-translating them into work processes, ensuring processes are followed in day-to-day operations, auditing their effectiveness, and driving continuous improvement while supporting dynamic operational needs.
The ideal candidate is a disciplined, detail-oriented professional who can balance strict adherence to safety standards with the flexibility required in a high-pressure, fast-moving production environment.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
WHAT YOU WILL DOPolicy & Process Ownership- Own and maintain the site's explosives processes, general work instructions, and integrate those with program specific work instructions.
- Translate organizational and regulatory requirements into actionable, practical processes for operators and engineers.
- Assist in updating policies and procedures in response to audit findings, operational needs, or safety events.
- Ensure required documentation is clear, compliant, and accessible.
Operational Oversight & Safety- Serve as the first-level safety review for explosive operations to ensure all work is performed "by the book."
- Monitor operations daily to verify adherence to procedures, PPE requirements, equipment configurations, and safe-work practices.
- Provide immediate guidance and corrective action support when deviations or unsafe conditions are observed.
- Participate in incident investigations and root-cause analysis as a subject-matter expert.
Audit & Compliance- Conduct routine site process audits to assess compliance, identify gaps, and verify process health.
- Participate in external audit hosting, track audit findings, and drive closure of corrective actions.
- Maintain readiness for regulatory inspections and internal safety reviews.
- Develop and present compliance metrics to leadership.
Operational Support- Act as a hands-on resource during surge periods, providing additional oversight, troubleshooting, or operational assistance as needed.
- Collaborate closely with production, test, engineering, and safety teams to ensure alignment between policy and real-world constraints.
- Support planning and risk reviews for new processes, equipment, or operational changes.
Culture & Leadership- Model an unwavering commitment to safety while remaining approachable, practical, and solution-focused.
- Champion a culture of procedural discipline, continuous improvement, and open communication.
- Provide training and mentorship to employees on explosive safety practices and compliance expectations.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Safety, Applied Science, or relevant discipline; or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in explosive operations, energetic materials handling, ordnance assembly/test, or similar high-hazard, high scrutiny, environments.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting, developing, or enforcing technical procedures and safety policies.
- Strong audit, investigation, and process-improvement skills.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to coach, influence, and de-escalate.
- Proven ability to operate under pressure, make sound decisions, and hold ground on safety-critical issues.
- Preferred - Prior experience as an explosives handler, EOD technician, or energetics operations lead.
- Preferred - Familiarity with DoD, ATF, WA L&I, NFPA, and local regulatory requirements related to explosives.
- Preferred - Experience with LEAN, root-cause methodologies (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.), or quality systems.
- Preferred - Certifications in safety, energetics, or hazardous operations are a plus.
