Scientist

The Scientist within the Research Department team will serve as a subject matter expert for various production composite propellants and liners. The individual will conduct and supervise projects involving formulating, raw ingredient testing, lab scale mixing, batch size scale up, propellant property testing, and data reduction/analysis.

The position will report to and take direction from the Director of Research but will also work closely with the cross-functional program teams to support production programs.

How you will be awarded as a Scientist
• Monday-Thursday work week working four 10-hour days
• Off on Fridays
• Generous paid time off and Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(K), employee assistance programs, flexible spending account

Primary Responsibilities:
• Apply chemical principles to safely analyze and conduct experiments on propellants, pyrotechnics, and/or explosives to meet program requirements or to make production improvements.
• Develop and/or modify formulas, processes, procedures, and techniques to manufacture propellant.
• Develop methods and analyzes and to create tests compositions to understand and modify chemical, physical, mechanical, ballistic, and hazard properties.
• Establish optimal trade-off of propellant properties by modifying composition to achieve objectives.
• Serve as a principal investigator to resolve propellant production issues.
• Follow standard laboratory practices and safety procedures.
• Coordinate and schedule support work for other departments.
• Make oral presentations outlining/summarizing progress on selected projects and programs to both internal and external customers.
• Prepare technical reports detailing work progression and results.
• Provide labor, equipment, and material estimates for laboratory work required to support production projects.
• Assign/delegate work to technicians and junior chemists.
• Provide training to technicians to perform chemical weigh out, small scale propellant mixing, laboratory testing, mechanical property testing, and burn rate testing. 
• Review results of experiments and analyses performed by other scientists or technicians.
• Perform Statistical Process Control charting and predictive modelling to identify propellant performance and/or property trends.


Job Qualifications:
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Experience with various lab instruments for analysis and testing of energetic materials.
• Working knowledge of energetic material regulations and safe handling/measurement.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate well with the cross-functional NDS Mesa Team.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be well organized to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be able to wear safety equipment such as respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 lbs. of force in the course of normal work.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain ATF Processor license. 



**Note**: Due to US Export Control laws and regulations; applicants selected for employment must show proof of a U.S. Person status before employment may begin.

Last updated on Sep 19, 2024