We are seeking a highly motivated Chemist to support the research, development, and optimization of energetic materials.
The successful candidate will be involved in formulation development, performance evaluation, and scale-up of energetic compositions for defense and industrial applications.
The role requires strong technical expertise in chemistry, a high level of safety awareness, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
Job Description:
- Develop and optimize formulations for energetic compositions.
- Conduct laboratory-scale mixing, casting, and processing of energetic materials.
- Design and execute experiments to evaluate performance characteristics such as burn rate, detonation velocity, pressure output, and stability.
- Perform material characterization using analytical techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM).
- Support testing, including data collection and analysis.
- Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations when handling hazardous and energetic materials.
- Collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams for scale-up and process transfer.
- Prepare technical reports, test plans, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP, FMEA) for formulation and processing activities.
- Stay updated with advancements in energetic materials and formulation technologies.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, or a related field with 2 to 5 years relevant experience preferred
- Specialization in energetic materials, polymer chemistry, or physical chemistry is an added advantage.
- Experience or interest/passion in Energetic materials R&D and formulation and Defense, aerospace, or chemical industries
- Hands-on experience with mixing, casting, or processing energetic materials is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of Energetic materials chemistry (e.g., nitramines, nitrate esters, composite propellants), Combustion and detonation principles, Polymer binders (e.g., HTPB, GAP)
- Experience with analytical tools such as DSC, TGA, calorimetry, and spectroscopy.
- Knowledge of sensitivity testing (impact, friction, ESD) and thermal stability.
- Familiarity with ballistic testing and performance evaluation is a plus.
- Strong awareness of safety protocols for handling explosives and hazardous chemicals.
- Experience working in controlled environments (e.g., explosive labs, bunkers).
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to energetic materials.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and high level of discipline in laboratory work.
- Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
- Good technical writing and communication skills.
