Become a pyrotechnic engineer: learn how to design systems incorporating pyrotechnic devices while ensuring operational safety and conducting comprehensive risk analysis. For this work-study program, which is unique in France, training takes place mainly in French companies in the defense sector.
Under the supervision of the General Delegation for Armament of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, ENSTA's training and research activities are closely linked to the defense sector, an area in which the school has a solid network of partners. On its Brest campus, the school has been training pyrotechnic systems engineers for over 50 years and conducts research into the behavior of energetic materials and blast mitigation.
This apprenticeship program prepares you for careers in design offices, test centers, or cross-functional pyrotechnic safety roles.
Key points
A unique program in pyrotechnic systems
Progressive specialization based on a solid foundation in mechanics combined with a detailed understanding of pyrotechnic phenomena
A variety of projects and company assignments to put your knowledge into practice
Humanities courses to better understand the defense sector and its challenges, complex project management, human resources, and more
A minimum of 12 weeks of international mobility
A stimulating living and learning environment
Ongoing support from an apprenticeship supervisor and academic tutor
Consideration of ecological and societal transitions.
Training objective
To train highly qualified and immediately operational pyrotechnic engineers capable of designing systems that integrate pyrotechnic devices while ensuring operational safety and comprehensive risk analysis.
A three-year program
Year 1 / Acquisition of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering
The first year focuses on acquiring the fundamentals in the fields of mathematics, mechanics, and electronics with:
System modeling (mathematical and digital tools, continuum mechanics, etc.)
Science and technology (sensors, electrical engineering, solid mechanics, strength of materials, etc.)
And humanities (English, labor law, engineering and transition, etc.)
This is common to all mechanical engineering programs (various options) and is supplemented by work placements.
The year ends with a minimum 12-week international placement, which can be carried out in a research laboratory or a company.
Year 2 / Skills development and start of specialization
The second year allows students to deepen and complete the scientific knowledge acquired in the first year.
In systems modeling, the courses cover materials, finite elements, and fluid mechanics. In science and technology, it covers power transmission, system design, and more.
The first courses specific to the pyrotechnic systems option are offered during this year, with nearly 100 hours dedicated to thermochemistry, pyrotechnic safety, gas dynamics, detonation, and more.
English language classes, sports, and introductory courses on the circular economy, industrial marketing, innovation management, and more round out the year. Finally, several projects punctuate the year.
Year 3 / Expertise in Pyrotechnic Systems
The final year of the program is dedicated to specialization, allowing you to be immediately operational upon graduation.
During this year, you will study pyrotechnic systems for more than 400 hours: pyrotechnic risk management, damaging effects (blast effects, ballistic protection, etc.) and the ballistic cycle (internal and external ballistics, ammunition, etc.). The training will enable you to characterize these extreme physical phenomena (high pressure, very high temperatures, etc.) in order to control them and protect people and structures.
Visits to pyrotechnic sites, including a firing tunnel, are organized in conjunction with our industrial partners.
Finally, an introduction to the world of research is offered with work in a research laboratory using a shock tube and Hopkinson bars.
At the end of the first year, you will have an international experience: an opportunity to prepare yourself to work in an international and multicultural environment. Mobility opportunities are available at research centers, where you can discover the challenges of innovation and R&D, or in companies.
New for the 2026 academic year, this work-study engineering program in pyrotechnic systems builds on a long tradition of training engineers in pyrotechnics and propulsion at ENSTA (general engineering program and specialized master's degree).
It responds to strong demand from industry and the Ministry of the Armed Forces in a context of intensifying conflicts and geopolitical instability. The pyrotechnics industry is driven by major groups (Naval Group, Ariane Group, Thalès, MBDA, Nexter-KNDS, Lacroix, Eurenco, etc.) and public bodies such as the DGA, CEA, ONERA, and CNRS laboratories.
In addition to the arms industry, pyrotechnics is also an essential discipline in the aeronautics and space sector, particularly in the areas of energetic materials combustion and propulsion.
Upon graduation, graduates of this program will be able to hold positions such as:
Pyrotechnic safety engineer
Systems engineer
Design engineer
Conceptual design engineer
Project manager
Admission based on application after two or three years of higher education: candidate profile
BUT2 and BUT3: Physical Measurements, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Production Engineering, Energy Transition and Efficiency Professions
BTS + ATS prep: Industrial Product Design, Systems Maintenance
Are you employed by a company and want to obtain an engineering degree? This program is available as part of continuing education for holders of a BTS/DUT or a VAE combined with 3 years of professional experience.
Continuing education trainees have a program tailored to their profile: they may be exempted from certain courses with the approval of the program manager.
Tuition
As an apprentice engineer, the cost of your training is covered by the State, the Region, and the company. You do not have to pay any tuition fees. However, you are responsible for the student and campus life contribution (CVEC).
Application
Applicants must pay a $30 application fee to validate their application. Payment must be made before the deadline for submitting online registration forms via a secure online payment on your personal online space (Aurion). For any other payment method, please contact Laurent Gogé at agence-comptable.brest@ensta.fr.
* Non-refundable.
Presentation of the program: webinar replay
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