Energetic Materials Scientist – Chemist

BAE Systems; Pontypool; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Wales is looking for an Energetic Materials Scientist - Chemist to join their R&D team at the Glascoed site. This role involves developing new polymer-based formulations and enhancing the capabilities of polymer bonded explosives. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Chemistry and possess knowledge in relevant areas like polymer chemistry and energetic materials. These positions offer competitive salaries and various benefits including an extensive range of lifestyle perks and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discounted shopping

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Industrial experience in relevant area is preferred.
• Ability to manage workload and achieve project objectives independently.
• Keen desire for practical activities related to projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop new polymer-based formulations for specific requirements.
• Work with Senior Scientist on polymer bonded explosives projects.
• Support continuous improvement within the Energetics Team.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Chemical kinetics

Surface chemistry

Catalysis

Energetic materials

Formulation development

Strong communication skills

Education

Undergraduate qualification in Chemistry

Masters or PhD

Job description

Job Title: Energetic Materials Scientist - Chemist

Location: Glascoed (Monday to Thursday, 7.15am - 5pm)

Salary: Up to £43,649

What you’ll be doing:

• Developing new polymer-based formulations by tailoring formulation components to meet specific safety, mechanical and explosive property requirements
• Working with Senior Scientist and Team to develop the next generation of polymer bonded explosives (PBXs); leading and organising own project – undertaking research, developing formulations expertise and carrying out manufacturing and characterisation trials
• Supporting the Senior Scientist in maintaining and continuously improving a small-scale processing capability within the Energetics Team
• Interacting with products and processes throughout the factory to understand the challenges presented by energetic materials in process. Developing strategies to overcome these challenges and implementing them to benefit the business
• Supporting business winning and project planning activities by compiling technical input during the bid preparation phase
• Supporting the Senior Scientist and working with other Scientists and Engineers, both within and outside of the team, to achieve goals
• Ensuring all processing activities are carried out safely and in accordance with business processes and in compliance with legislation
• A commitment to continuing Continuing professional development of self, by identifying and addressing development needs through the PDR process and contributing to papers and presentations at symposia, whilst participating in external working groups with industry, academia and government

Your skills and experiences:

• Undergraduate qualification in Chemistry, with additional Masters or PhD. Industrial experience in relevant area would be considered in-place of Post-Graduate qualification
• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: Polymer chemistry, chemical kinetics, surface chemistry, catalysis, energetic materials, formulation development
• Ability to work within a close-knit team as well as independently, planning and managing own workload to safely deliver project objectives
• Ability to work to and compile stringent safety documentation
• A keen desire to carry out practical activities for own and others’ projects
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present data in a clear, concise manner and to produce scientific documents to a high standard

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

Energetic Materials Scientist - Chemist:

BAE Systems Land UK have an opportunity for a Chemist to join the Research and Development team at the Glascoed Site. The selected candidate should have a keen interest in developing new polymer-based formulations and bring knowledge in tailoring formulation components to meet specific safety, mechanical and explosive property requirements.

As a Chemist, you will be responsible for generating ideas, concepts and proposals in the field of Polymer Bonded Explosives (PBXs) for assessment through the business innovation channels. You will carry out and apply fundamental research in the energetic materials and manufacturing technology domain, ensuring the business remains at the forefront of technical developments through engagement with experts in industry, academia and government. Additional responsibilities include compiling and maintaining Safe Systems of Work and assisting with day-to-day Team activities, if and when required by the business, to help progress other projects and / or maintain facilities.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 5th January 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.