Propellant Chemist

Destinus SA; Payerne; Vor Ort; CHF 120.000 - 190.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Future projects

Global collaboration

Fast growth

Real impact

Zusammenfassung

Destinus SA in Payerne, VD, seeks a Propellant Chemist to lead formulation, development, and characterization of solid rocket propellants and TPS materials for high‑performance motors. The role is hands-on, combining materials science with process development and rigorous testing.

You will work with propulsion, structures, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure flight-ready materials, documenting procedures and results for qualification.

Qualifikationen

• BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline as listed.
• 5+ years in solid rocket propellant development or related polymers.
• Experience with mixing, casting, curing of propellants.
• Strong understanding of polymer-bonded systems and composites.
• Experience with material characterization programs (mechanical, thermal, aging).
• Ability to develop SOPs and structured development processes.

Aufgaben

• Develop and optimize solid rocket propellant formulations balancing performance and manufacturability.
• Lead lab-scale mixing, casting, curing, and post-processing per safety/quality standards.
• Define and implement characterization methodologies for propellant materials.
• Establish test procedures, acceptance criteria, and data analysis for propellant & TPS materials.
• Support definition of process parameters and quality control for propellant manufacturing.
• Analyze formulation trade-offs and drive performance improvements.
• Support rocket motor development by correlating material properties to motor performance.
• Lead or support root cause analysis of material anomalies.
• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation and development plans.
• Collaborate with propulsion, structures, manufacturing, and test teams.

Kenntnisse

Propellant formulation

Laboratory experimentation

Polymer/composite materials

Material characterization

Safety & quality procedures

Ausbildung

BSc or MSc in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Aerospace Engineering or related

Jobbeschreibung

Propellant Chemist

Destinus SA Vacant since : 27.07.2026 Number of jobs : 1 1530 Payerne (VD) 100% Immediately Permanent

DescriptionAbout the role

Imagine being at the core of propulsion innovation, shaping the very materials that power our high performance rocket systems. As a Propellant Engineer at Destinus, you will lead the formulation, development, and characterization of solid rocket propellants and thermal protection materials for high-performance rocket motor applications. This role is strongly hands-on and combines materials science, process development, and analytical rigor to deliver reliable, high-quality propulsion materials.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You´ll Do

• Develop and optimize solid rocket propellant formulations, balancing performance, mechanical properties, stability, and manufacturability.
• Lead laboratory-scale mixing, casting, curing, and post-processing activities in accordance with defined safety and quality standards.
• Define and implement characterization methodologies for propellant materials, including mechanical, thermal, rheological, ballistic, ablation and aging evaluations.
• Establish and document standard test procedures, acceptance criteria, and data analysis methods for propellant & TPS materials development and qualification.
• Support the definition of process parameters and quality control for propellant and TPS manufacturing, including mixing, degassing, casting, curing, and storage.
• Analyse formulation trade-offs and drive improvements in performance, robustness, and reproducibility.
• Support rocket motor development programs by correlating material properties to motor performance and structural behaviour and thermal environments.
• Lead or support investigation of material anomalies, aging effects, or performance deviations, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including formulation records, process specifications, characterization reports, and development plans.
• Collaborate closely with propulsion, structures, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure seamless integration of propellant materials into motor designs.
• Contribute to long-term technology development roadmaps for advanced propellant systems.

Requirements

• BSc. or MSc. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in solid rocket propellant development or closely related polymer/composite material systems.
• Experience with propellant formulation, mixing, casting, and curing processes.
• Strong understanding of polymer-bonded systems, composite materials, and viscoelastic behaviour.
• Experience defining and conducting material characterization programs, including mechanical, thermal, and aging testing.
• Familiarity with establishing standard operating procedures and structured development processes.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate material data into engineering decisions.
• Strong documentation discipline and ability to work in a safety-critical environment.
• Ability to work hands-on in laboratory and pilot-scale environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English required; German is a plus.

Who You Are

You are a propulsion minded materials expert who feels at home in the lab and on the production floor. You understand polymer bonded propellants not just in theory but in practice, from formulation strategy to mixing, casting, curing, and final characterization. You are comfortable defining the technical path forward while also building the processes, documentation, and qualification methods that make materials flight ready and repeatable.

BenefitsWhy Join Us?

The Thrill of the Future – Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace. Global Innovation Hub – Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world. Fast-Paced & High-Growth – Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company. Real Impact – Your work won’t be theoretical—it will shape the future of flight.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.

Destinus – Challenge the limits of time, space, and human potential.

• Work location 1530 Payerne (VD)
• Workload 100%
• Employment start Immediately
• Employment duration Permanent
• Qualification skilled
• Work experience More than 3 years
• Education Bachelor’s degree from a university or equivalent
• English Orally : Good knowledge Written : Good knowledge
• By online Online form