Energetic Materials Scientist – Chemist

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

Job summary

A leading defense company in the United Kingdom is seeking an Energetic Materials Scientist – Chemist to join their Glascoed team. The role involves developing new polymer-based formulations and working on projects related to polymer bonded explosives. Candidates should have a strong background in chemistry and experience in formulating solutions. This opportunity offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the chance to contribute to innovative research in the energetic materials domain.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Employee share plans

Health and lifestyle benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Undergraduate qualification in Chemistry, with additional Masters or PhD preferred.
• Industrial experience may substitute post-graduate qualification.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present data and produce scientific documents.

Responsibilities

• Develop new polymer-based formulations tailored for safety and explosive properties.
• Lead projects in polymer bonded explosives with a focus on research and development.
• Compile and maintain Safe Systems of Work.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Chemical kinetics

Surface chemistry

Catalysis

Formulation development

Education

Undergraduate qualification in Chemistry

Masters or PhD in relevant area

Job description

Join to apply for the Energetic Materials Scientist – Chemist role at BAE Systems

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 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

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems 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.

Role Overview

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.