Energetics & Chemical Systems Engineer

Strativ Group; Valkenburg; On-site; EUR 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity/Options

On-site hub (Valkenburg)

Fast-paced environment

Real-world testing

Job summary

Strativ Group in Valkenburg seeks a Chemical Engineer specialized in energetic materials to bridge a critical gap in our subsea payload systems. You will lead field tests, ensure safe deployment, and manage forensic analysis after live-fire trials.

You bring a degree in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science, hands-on experience with energetic materials or propellants, and proven field leadership. Dutch or NATO nationality and security eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field with focus on thermodynamics/reaction kinetics/high-hazard processes.
• Experience with energetic materials, propellants, pyrotechnics, or high-pressure gas systems.
• Proven track record leading hazardous field tests and ensuring safety.
• Regulations surrounding hazardous material transport; security clearance eligibility required for Dutch or NATO nationality.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical stability analysis and integration of energetic payloads into subsea platforms.
• Design and validate ignition/initiation chemistry and safe, zero-fail kinetics under operational conditions.
• Own field test operations and final Go/No-Go decisions for chemical safety during live testing.
• Ensure maritime hardening of energetic compounds against saltwater, vibration, and moisture ingress.
• Lead post-test forensic chemistry and Safe-to-Board procedures after misfires or failures.

Skills

Energetic materials

Field operations

Safety leadership

Thermodynamics

Reaction kinetics

Education

Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

Tools

Pyrotechnics handling

High-pressure gas systems

Job description

Here, we don't just build systems on paper; we prove them in the brutal conditions of the North Sea. We are seeking a Chemical Engineer specializing in energetic materials, propellants, or high-hazard chemistry to bridge a critical gap in our subsea payload systems.

You won't just be formulating in a lab—you will be the Lead Test Officer responsible for the chemical stability, safe execution, deployment, and recovery of energetic payloads during live-fire and shock-test sea trials.

The Mission

Energetics Integration: Lead the chemical stability analysis and physical integration of energetic payloads into our Whiplash autonomous platforms.

Ignition & Initiation Chemistry: Design and validate the thermochemical reliability of fusing sequences. You must ensure zero-fail reaction kinetics when commanded and "always-safe" stability during high-speed, high-shock transit.

Field Test Leadership: Own the "Live Range" environment. You are the final authority on "Go/No-Go" decisions regarding chemical and explosive safety during field testing.

Environmental Hardening: Ensure all energetic compounds, propellants, and triggering mechanisms are "maritime-hardened" against saltwater degradation, extreme vibration, and moisture ingress.

Post-Test Forensic Chemistry: Lead the recovery and "Safe-to?Board" procedures for platforms. Conduct forensic chemical analysis on any misfires, incomplete reactions, or mechanical failures.

Who You Are

You are a rare breed: a disciplined chemical expert with the "sea legs" to operate in high-stress outdoor environments. You understand that a lab test is just a suggestion—the North Sea is the only validator that matters.

The Essentials:

• Technical Background: Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field, with a strong focus on thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, or high-hazard processes.
• Energetics Experience: Practical experience working with energetic materials, solid/liquid propellants, pyrotechnics, or high-pressure gas systems (mining, aerospace, or heavy industrial backgrounds are highly relevant).
• Field Operations: Proven track record of leading hazardous field tests, scaling up dangerous chemical processes, or managing pilot plant safety.
• Operational Discipline: Deep understanding of chemical stability over time, material compatibility, and the regulations surrounding hazardous material transport.
• The "Lead" Mindset: Calm under pressure. You can manage a test team and maintain absolute safety protocol when timelines are tight.
• Nationality: Due to the sensitivity of our defense contracts, Dutch or NATO-country nationality and security clearance eligibility are mandatory.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Scaled to your technical expertise and seniority.
• Equity/Options: We want you to have a stake in the success of the platform you help build.
• On-site Hub: Work in our specialized Valkenburg facility, surrounded by the hardware and the team.
• No Red Tape: We move fast. If you find a better way to optimize our systems, we implement it.
• Adventure: Real-world testing. You'll see your chemistry perform in the North Sea, not just in a simulation.