Pyrotechnics Subject Matter Expert

SkyBridge Tactical, LLC; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyBridge Tactical LLC in Southern California seeks an experienced pyrotechnics specialist to plan, set up, and safely execute battlefield effects for military training exercises. You will manage simulated IEDs, indirect fire, and smoke to enhance scenario realism.

Responsibilities include coordinating with training staff, ensuring safe storage and transport of materials, obtaining necessary permits, conducting safety briefings, and documenting incidents for after-action reviews.

Qualifications

• Experience with training pyrotechnics or battlefield effects.
• Thorough knowledge of pyrotechnic safety, storage, transport, and permitting requirements.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background check and high-risk training suitability screening.

Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, and execute pyrotechnic and special effects to support training scenarios, including simulated IEDs, rocket-propelled grenades, indirect fire, and smoke.
• Coordinate effects timing and placement with training staff and the Lead Role Player.
• Ensure safe storage, transport, handling, and disposal of pyrotechnic materials in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support securing the local, state, and federal permits required for effects at each training site.
• Conduct safety briefings for the role player team and follow all range safety and Training Time Out procedures.
• Document effects used and report any incidents or malfunctions for after-action reviews.

Skills

Pyrotechnics experience

Safety knowledge

Citizenship/background check

Job description

SkyBridge Tactical LLC | Southern California (multiple training sites)

Clearance: No clearance required.

Position overview

SkyBridge Tactical is seeking an experienced pyrotechnics specialist for an anticipated contract supporting military training exercises in Southern California. The specialist plans and safely executes battlefield effects that bring role player scenarios to life. These effects include simulated IEDs, indirect fire, and smoke.

Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, and execute pyrotechnic and special effects to support training scenarios, including simulated IEDs, rocket-propelled grenades, indirect fire, and smoke.
• Coordinate effects timing and placement with training staff and the Lead Role Player.
• Ensure safe storage, transport, handling, and disposal of pyrotechnic materials in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support securing the local, state, and federal permits required for effects at each training site.
• Conduct safety briefings for the role player team and follow all range safety and Training Time Out procedures.
• Document effects used and report any incidents or malfunctions for after-action reviews.

Required qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience with training pyrotechnics, special effects, or battlefield effects simulation.
• Thorough knowledge of pyrotechnic safety, storage, transport, and permitting requirements.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background check and high-risk training suitability screening.

Physical and safety requirements

Physically fit, with no limitations or medical conditions that would prevent work in austere outdoor environments and during hours of darkness. Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment.

Preferred experience

A state pyrotechnic operator license, such as a California Pyrotechnic Operator license (Special Effects or equivalent), or other applicable federal or state credentials. Military explosive ordnance, combat engineer, or special effects industry experience, and experience supporting military training.

Work schedule and travel

Work is intermittent and scheduled around training events, which typically run several consecutive days. Training days can last up to 12 hours and often run from afternoon into the early morning, including nights and weekends. Schedules may shift by up to two days due to weather or other delays. You will travel to training sites throughout Southern California, and some remote sites involve group lodging.

Anticipated start date: Contingent upon contract award, anticipated in late October 2026, with initial training events expected shortly after.

Employment is subject to contract award, customer approval, license and background verification, required suitability screening, and satisfaction of all position requirements.

Disclaimer: This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position and is not an exhaustive list of every duty.