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We are seeking an experienced Director of Synthetic Chemistry to lead the development, scale-up, and commercialization of advanced chemical technologies across multiple research and development programs.
This is a senior scientific leadership opportunity for a highly accomplished chemist with extensive experience in synthetic route development, process chemistry, energetic materials, metal extraction chemistry, and pilot-scale manufacturing.
The selected candidate will establish and lead a synthetic chemistry team, oversee multiple technical programs, and drive the progression of novel chemical processes from early-stage research through pilot-scale validation.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strategic decision-making, process safety leadership, team development, and experience managing complex scientific programs against defined commercial and government milestones.
Provide technical leadership across multiple chemistry programs, including energetic materials, mining and metals chemistry, and polymer development.
Lead synthetic route selection, optimization, and development based on technical feasibility, safety, scalability, and cost per kilogram.
Establish standardized processes for evaluating, documenting, and approving chemical synthesis routes.
Oversee the development of novel molecules, intermediates, and scalable chemical manufacturing processes.
Guide research teams in reaction development, experimental design, and analytical evaluation.
Evaluate technical risks, reaction feasibility, and process economics to support strategic development decisions.
Maintain a pipeline of alternative chemical candidates and synthesis pathways to support ongoing product development.
Lead the advancement of chemical processes from laboratory research through pilot-scale manufacturing.
Oversee experimental programs supporting kinetic and thermodynamic data generation.
Collaborate with engineering teams on process design, scale-up, commissioning, and pilot plant readiness.
Direct the evaluation and optimization of batch and continuous manufacturing processes.
Support the development of continuous flow processes for hazardous, exothermic, or corrosive chemical reactions.
Ensure appropriate analytical characterization, process documentation, and technical validation throughout development.
Establish and lead the synthetic chemistry function, including recruitment, onboarding, and technical development of scientists.
Build a multidisciplinary team of approximately eight scientists through phased hiring.
Recruit and mentor senior technical leaders responsible for individual chemistry programs.
Establish performance expectations, technical standards, and accountability across the team.
Manage research priorities, laboratory resources, and competing project timelines.
Allocate scientific resources across multiple development programs while balancing technical feasibility and business priorities.
Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and results-driven research environment.
Lead process safety assessments throughout chemical route selection and development.
Oversee reaction calorimetry, thermal hazard assessments, exotherm evaluation, and quench design.
Participate in HAZOP studies, engineering design reviews, and process risk assessments.
Ensure hazardous chemical handling, laboratory operations, and process development activities meet applicable safety requirements.
Establish appropriate controls for hazardous materials, energetic substances, and regulated chemicals.
Promote proactive risk identification and mitigation during early-stage process development.
Lead the establishment and operational readiness of a chemistry research laboratory.
Oversee laboratory equipment selection, technical specifications, and procurement.
Coordinate long-lead equipment purchasing, laboratory infrastructure planning, and operational setup.
Support licensing requirements for regulated chemical and energetic materials operations.
Establish laboratory SOPs, safety protocols, documentation standards, and operational procedures.
Ensure compliance with export control requirements and regulations governing controlled chemicals and technical information.
Lead technical programs with defined deliverables, budgets, and development milestones.
Establish project priorities, campaign schedules, and resource allocation plans.
Evaluate make-versus-buy decisions for chemical intermediates and process materials.
Develop and defend technical cost models, including manufacturing cost per kilogram.
Collaborate with external laboratories, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), and technical partners.
Represent scientific programs during technical reviews, customer meetings, and government program evaluations.
Prepare and present technical data packages, research findings, process development strategies, and program updates.
Communicate technical risks, development progress, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related field, with approximately 12+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
OR
Equivalent technical expertise and demonstrated professional experience in advanced synthetic chemistry and process development.
Minimum 3 years of experience managing teams of chemists against external project milestones and delivery timelines.
Demonstrated experience recruiting, building, and developing scientific teams.
Proven ability to manage multiple chemistry programs, research priorities, and technical resources.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Extensive experience in synthetic organic chemistry, process chemistry, and chemical route development.
Direct experience leading a synthetic chemical process from laboratory development through pilot-scale manufacturing.
Deep technical expertise in at least one of the following:
Energetic Materials Chemistry
Metal Extraction Chemistry / Hydrometallurgy
Strong knowledge of chemical reaction optimization, process development, and manufacturing scale-up.
Demonstrated experience evaluating synthesis routes based on cost, yield, safety, and scalability.
Expertise in process safety, including:
Reaction calorimetry
Exothermic reaction assessment
Quench design
HAZOP participation
Chemical hazard evaluation
Experience making technical and commercial decisions related to chemical route selection and process economics.
Ability to manage ITAR- and export-controlled technical information.
Strong scientific writing, technical documentation, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
Experience presenting complex scientific findings to executive leadership, customers, or government stakeholders.
Experience delivering government-funded research and development programs with milestone-based requirements.
Experience establishing a laboratory from the ground up, including equipment procurement, licensing, and operational setup.
Experience converting hazardous batch reactions into continuous flow or continuous manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of insensitive high explosives and energetic materials chemistry.
Experience working in ATF-licensed facilities or familiarity with applicable explosives safety standards.
Experience with hydrometallurgical reagents, chelating ligands, and solvent extraction chemistry.
Knowledge of condensation polymer chemistry, polymer synthesis, and molecular weight distribution control.
Experience with pilot-scale manufacturing, process engineering, and technology transfer.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
Experience collaborating with government agencies, technical partners, and external manufacturing organizations.
Establish a documented research and development campaign strategy across multiple chemistry programs.
Define technical priorities, resource allocation, and development timelines.
Initiate recruitment of senior technical scientists and establish hiring standards for the chemistry function.
Implement structured technical review and decision-making processes.
Build and operationalize the initial scientific team.
Establish a long-term hiring and laboratory development plan.
Implement standardized route evaluation, process safety assessment, and cost review procedures.
Ensure technical programs progress against defined research and development milestones.
Establish a sustainable framework for scientific decision-making and technical accountability.
Full-time onsite position in the Boulder / Lafayette, Colorado area.
Five days per week in a collaborative research and development environment.
Hands-on involvement in laboratories handling hazardous chemicals and energetic materials.
Approximately 15% travel to partner laboratories, pilot facilities, customer locations, and technical program reviews.
Leadership responsibility for a growing scientific team of approximately eight direct reports.
This position involves access to technical information regulated under U.S. export control laws, including ITAR.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).
Candidates must be legally eligible to handle explosive materials under applicable federal regulations, including 18 U.S.C. § 842(i).
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
Competitive medical insurance coverage, 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 accomplished Director of Chemistry, Director of Process Chemistry, Director of Synthetic Chemistry, Principal Scientist, or Head of Chemistry with expertise in:
Synthetic Organic Chemistry & Process Development
Energetic Materials or Metal Extraction Chemistry
Chemical Route Selection & Optimization
Pilot-Scale Manufacturing & Scale-Up
Reaction Calorimetry & Process Safety
HAZOP & Hazardous Chemical Handling
Continuous Flow Chemistry
Technical Program Management
Laboratory Establishment & Operations
Scientific Team Leadership & Recruitment
Chemical Manufacturing Cost Analysis
Government-Funded Research Programs