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We are seeking an experienced Senior Energetics Development Scientist to lead the research, development, and scale-up of energetic materials, including insensitive high explosives.
This position will serve as the technical lead for energetic materials chemistry, overseeing the development of innovative synthesis pathways from laboratory research through pilot-scale manufacturing.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in energetic materials synthesis, nitro-group chemistry, amination processes, continuous flow chemistry, process development, and high-hazard chemical manufacturing.
This role requires strong scientific judgment, hands-on technical expertise, and the ability to independently lead complex research programs while collaborating with engineering teams, external laboratories, and technical partners.
Lead reaction design, route selection, and technical development for TATB (triaminotrinitrobenzene) and related insensitive high explosives.
Develop and optimize energetic material synthesis processes from laboratory-scale research through pilot-scale manufacturing.
Design and oversee experiments to evaluate and select suitable production pathways.
Develop and maintain kinetic and thermodynamic datasets to support process design and scale-up.
Apply expertise in nitro-group chemistry, amination processes, and energetic materials characterization.
Evaluate energetic material sensitivity, thermal stability, chemical compatibility, and associated process risks.
Lead the transition from conventional batch processes to continuous flow manufacturing systems.
Develop safe and scalable processes that minimize the accumulation of hazardous intermediates.
Demonstrate control of crystal size, particle morphology, and material specifications during process development.
Support crystallization, milling, and particle engineering activities.
Collaborate with engineering teams on pilot plant design, process optimization, and scale-up activities.
Participate in engineering design reviews, process hazard analyses (HAZOP), and safety system verification.
Support the transition from bench-scale synthesis to sustained pilot-scale production.
Lead analytical characterization of energetic materials using:
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Conduct material quality assessments, impurity analysis, and stability evaluations.
Develop and maintain analytical datasets to support process development and product qualification.
Ensure accurate experimental documentation, data integrity, and technical reporting.
Support the development and evaluation of polymer-bonded explosives (PBX).
Contribute to formulation, crystallization, milling, and material qualification activities.
Support qualification activities involving established PBX formulations and military specifications.
Provide subject matter expertise in energetic materials chemistry, technical assessments, and intellectual property evaluation.
Coordinate research activities with external laboratories, technical collaborators, and international teams.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and laboratory work instructions.
Promote laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, responsible research practices, and regulatory compliance.
Candidates must meet one of the following:
PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience focused on energetic materials synthesis and handling.
OR
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in energetic materials synthesis and handling.
Strong knowledge of insensitive high explosives and energetic materials chemistry.
Proven experience with nitro-group chemistry and amination processes.
Hands-on experience synthesizing, handling, and characterizing energetic materials.
Understanding of explosive sensitivity, thermal stability, chemical compatibility, and associated hazards.
Experience transitioning batch chemical reactions to continuous flow or continuous manufacturing processes.
Experience in chemical process development, reaction optimization, and scale-up.
Knowledge of process safety, risk assessment, and high-hazard manufacturing environments.
Experience collaborating with external technical partners or directing research activities performed by other laboratories.
Strong technical documentation, analytical problem-solving, and scientific decision-making skills.
Ability to manage ITAR- and export-controlled technical information.
Experience with polymer-bonded explosives (PBX) formulation and casting.
Familiarity with Department of Defense explosive safety standards and applicable military specifications.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
Experience with continuous crystallization and particle engineering.
Experience working in an ATF-licensed explosives facility, including explosives storage and quantity-distance safety practices.
Experience scaling energetic materials processes from laboratory to pilot-scale production.
Experience supporting government-funded research programs or projects with defined technical milestones.
Knowledge of HAZOP, process safety management, and safety-critical manufacturing systems.
Evaluate and select a technically suitable synthesis pathway.
Establish and document supporting kinetic and experimental datasets.
Develop a defensible technical foundation for subsequent pilot-scale process design.
Support delivery of a fully characterized 1 kg energetic material sample for formulation testing.
Establish analytical characterization and quality documentation.
Demonstrate repeatable control of crystal size and morphology across multiple material specifications.
Support safe process development while maintaining established hazardous-material inventory limits.
Full-time onsite position in the Boulder / Lafayette, Colorado area.
Five days per week in a collaborative research and development environment.
Hands-on laboratory work involving energetic materials, flammable chemicals, corrosive substances, and other hazardous materials.
Approximately 10% travel to external laboratories, technical partners, or manufacturing facilities.
Strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Competitive medical insurance options, including plans with fully covered employee and dependent premiums.
401(k) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4%.
Paid vacation and company holidays.
End-of-year company shutdown.
Equity opportunities commensurate with experience.
An experienced Energetics Scientist, Explosives Chemist, Energetic Materials Research Scientist, or Senior Process Development Scientist with a strong background in:
Energetic Materials Synthesis & Handling
Insensitive High Explosives (IHE)
Nitro-Group Chemistry & Amination
Continuous Flow Chemistry
Chemical Process Development & Scale-Up
DSC, TGA, XRD, SEM, NMR & FTIR
Crystallization & Particle Engineering
Polymer-Bonded Explosives (PBX)
Process Safety & HAZOP
High-Hazard Chemical Manufacturing