Energetics & Chemical Systems Engineer

surge marine; Valkenburg; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity/Options

On-site Valkenburg hub

Fast-paced environment

Real-world North Sea testing

Job summary

Surge Marine in the Netherlands seeks a Lead Chemical Engineer specializing in energetic materials to oversee chemical stability, safe execution, deployment, and recovery of energetic payloads during live-fire sea trials on our Whiplash platforms.

You will lead field tests, validate ignition chemistry, ensure maritime-hardened systems, and conduct post-test forensic analyses to guarantee safety and regulatory compliance in hazardous material handling.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field with emphasis on thermodynamics, kinetics, or high-hazard processes.
• Energetics experience with energetic materials, propellants, pyrotechnics, or high-pressure gas systems is preferred.
• Proven track record leading hazardous field tests and scaling up dangerous chemical processes.
• Strong understanding of chemical stability, material compatibility, and hazardous material transport regulations.
• Calm under pressure with ability to lead a test team and maintain safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical stability analysis and physical integration of energetic payloads for maritime platforms.
• Oversee live-fire and shock-test sea trials; make Go/No-Go safety decisions.
• Design and validate ignition/ initiation chemistry ensuring safe, reliable performance.
• Field leadership for Live Range testing and post-test forensic analyses.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Thermodynamics

Reaction kinetics

Hazardous materials safety

Leadership

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering

Degree in Materials Science

Job description

The Role

At Surge Marine, 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 analyses 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.

The Surge Offer

We offer a high-octane environment where your work is the literal "spark" that brings our machines to life.

• 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.