Explosives Technician

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Alabama; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks an explosives technician to join the Detection Technology Center on-site at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.

You will handle explosives and hazardous materials, run tests with explosive detection systems, and manage test data in a collaborative, safety-focused environment. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, 4–5 years of related experience, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 4–5 years experience handling explosives or hazardous materials, or in a security/testing/lab setting; familiarity with EDS preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to work with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lb and work safely in lab/testing environments.
• Background investigation and TS clearance eligibility; current TS clearance highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle explosives and hazardous materials in designated test containers per procedures and safety protocols.
• Execute established test plans by placing threat materials in test articles and processing them through EDS.
• Download, verify, organize, and archive EDS images and related data; ensure secure transfer for partner labs.
• Collaborate with EDS vendors, FBI, TSA, and stakeholders to identify and resolve equipment issues.
• Support development and refinement of SOPs for EDS equipment and testing activities.
• Perform routine facility maintenance and housekeeping to maintain a safe workplace.
• Record and maintain complete, accurate test records for review by authorized personnel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Technical problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EDS operation

Job description

Description

The Detection Technology Center (DTC), an extension of the Tyndall Reactive Materials Group (TRMG) in ARA's Engineering Science Division, is seeking a dedicated professional to join our team on-site at Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville, AL). DTC collaborates closely with leading government and research organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Our work plays an important role in advancing the safety and security of the nation’s transportation systems.

DTC conducts established test plans involving the controlled scanning of luggage, test articles, and other materials using explosive detection systems (EDS). Our team evaluates improvised explosive devices (IEDs), explosives, and other potential threats, often in coordination with the TSA, FBI, and partner laboratories. Success in this highly responsible role requires exceptional attention to detail, strict adherence to safety protocols, sound judgment, and effective teamwork.

What you will do as an explosives technician:

• Explosives Handling and Safety: Safely handle substantial quantities of homemade, commercial, and military explosives, as well as hazardous chemicals. Package and position these materials in designated test containers, including large and small suitcases and protective cases, in strict accordance with approved procedures and safety protocols.

• Testing and Scanning: Execute established test plans by placing threat materials in specified test articles and processing them through EDS. Verify accurate material placement, follow prescribed test configurations, and conduct scanning efficiently to support reliable analysis.

• Data Management: Download, verify, organize, and archive EDS images and related test data following daily scanning activities. Ensure all data are transferred accurately to external storage devices and prepared for secure shipment to partner laboratories.

• Collaboration and Troubleshooting: Work closely with EDS vendors, the FBI, TSA, and other stakeholders to identify and resolve equipment-related issues. Provide technical support, document problems and corrective actions, and maintain clear, professional communication throughout the resolution process.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Support the development, review, and refinement of SOPs for EDS equipment and testing activities to promote consistency and compliance with applicable safety standards and test requirements.

• Facility Maintenance: Perform routine facility maintenance and housekeeping duties, including cleaning work areas and floors, maintaining restrooms, and managing waste, to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient workplace.

• Recordkeeping and Reporting: Accurately document all information required by each test plan. Maintain complete, current, and well-organized test records that are readily available for review by authorized personnel.

Explosives technician requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• 4-5 years of experience handling explosives or hazardous materials, or working in a security, testing, or laboratory environment. Familiarity with the operation and troubleshooting of EDS is preferred; however, training will be provided.

• Strong attention to detail, organizational ability, and technical problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. The candidate must interact professionally and effectively with internal teams, equipment vendors, government agencies, and other external partners.

• Ability to lift and carry heavy materials up to 50 lb, perform routine physical tasks, and work safely in a laboratory and testing environment.

• Due to the sensitive nature of the work, the selected candidate must successfully complete a background investigation and be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. A current TS clearance is highly desired.

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit sums up the ARA experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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