Explosives Operator

Critical Materials Group; Ballinger (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Critical Materials Group seeks an Explosives Operator to safely manage the production of energetic materials at the Talpa, TX facility. You will prepare, mix, and process energetic materials with strict adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards essential to our manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities include monitoring synthesis, performing processing steps, handling materials, conducting tests, and documenting batches while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree/technical cert in chemistry, process tech, manufacturing or related field preferred.
• 1–3+ years in chemical manufacturing, hazardous materials handling, or explosives production; military EOD/defense experience is a plus.
• ATF Explosives Handler/User permit eligibility (background check and fingerprinting).
• HAZMAT training and certification.
• OSHA safety training or equivalent explosives safety courses.
• Strong explosives safety principles knowledge including hazard classifications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare solutions, mixtures and materials used in energetic material synthesis or formulation.
• Monitor synthesis processes with remote cameras, sensors and process control equipment; detect abnormal conditions.
• Perform mixing, drying, granulating, pressing or extrusion of explosives.
• Handle, weigh, measure and transport energetic materials between production areas using approved methods.
• Assemble, load or pack explosives into components or containers per specifications.
• Conduct in-process testing and quality checks (moisture, pH, scales) including calibration.
• Inspect, clean and maintain production equipment and work areas to prevent contamination or hazards.
• Document production batches, material usage, inventory and deviations per regulations.
• Follow safety protocols — PPE, grounding, static control, and Q-D rules.
• Assist with material receiving, storage, and shipping under regulated conditions.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Reading procedures

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certification in chemistry/processing

Tools

Scales

Mixers

Dryers

pH meters

Process control equipment

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Explosives Operator

Department

Production & Engineering

Reports To

Head of Production

Location

Ballinger, TX

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Employment Type

Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Explosives Operator is responsible for the safe, precise handling, processing, and production of energetic materials at CMG’s Talpa, TX facility. This role prepares, mixes, and processes explosive and propellant materials through synthesis, formulation, and packaging, while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards at every step — playing a critical role in ensuring CMG’s manufacturing operations meet the exacting standards of safety and reliability required to build what America depends on.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare solutions, mixtures, and raw materials used in energetic material synthesis or formulation.
• Monitor explosive or propellant synthesis processes using remote cameras, computer systems, sensors, and process control equipment; identify and respond to normal vs. abnormal conditions.
• Perform processing techniques for energetic materials — mixing, drying, granulating, pressing, or extrusion of dry and wet explosives.
• Handle, weigh, measure, and transport explosive materials (including dry powders) between production areas using approved methods and equipment.
• Assemble, load, or pack explosives into components, devices, or containers according to specifications.
• Conduct in-process testing and quality checks (moisture balances, pH meters, scales, and other analytical tools, including calibration).
• Inspect, clean, and maintain production equipment, tools, and work areas to prevent contamination or hazards.
• Document production batches, material usage, inventory, and any deviations or incidents per federal, state, and company regulations.
• Follow all safety protocols — PPE, grounding procedures, static control, and quantity-distance (Q-D) rules.
• Assist with material receiving, storage, and shipping of finished energetic products under regulated conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certification in chemistry, process technology, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing, hazardous materials handling, or explosives/energetics production. Prior military EOD, ATF-related, or defense industry experience is a strong plus.
• ATF Explosives Handler or User Permit eligibility (background check and fingerprinting required).
• Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) training and certification.
• OSHA safety training (e.g., 30-hour Construction/General Industry) or equivalent explosives safety courses.
• Strong understanding of explosives safety principles, compatibility groups, and hazard classifications.
• Ability to read and follow detailed manufacturing procedures, batch records, and technical drawings.
• Proficiency with basic lab/process equipment (scales, mixers, dryers, pH meters, etc.) and basic computer skills for process monitoring and documentation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Unwavering commitment to safety and regulatory compliance — zero tolerance for shortcuts with explosives.
• High reliability, vigilance, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Teamwork and clear communication in high-hazard environments.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot process issues without compromising safety.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varying environmental conditions (including clean rooms or controlled humidity/temperature areas).
• Excellent eyesight and color vision for precise measurements and inspections; strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• Must pass rigorous background checks, drug screening, and medical evaluations due to the sensitive nature of the work.
• Willingness to work shifts, including potential overtime or on-call for production runs.

CLEARANCE & COMPENSATION

• Clearance: Federal security clearance not required; ATF background check/fingerprinting and eligibility required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Critical Materials Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Critical Materials Group reserves the right to amend this description at any time.