Field Test Lead, Energetics & Chemical Systems

Surge Marine; Netherlands; Remote; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity/Options

On-site Valkenburg facility

Competitive salary

Job summary

Surge Marine invites a Energetics & Chemical Systems Engineer (Field Test Lead) to bridge chemical analysis with real-world deployment aboard Whiplash platforms. You will lead the chemical stability, integration, and safe execution of energetic payloads during live-fire tests in harsh sea conditions.

You will direct ignition chemistry, ensure zero-fail kinetics, and make final go/no-go calls while protecting equipment from saltwater and vibration. Dutch/NATO clearance eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Technical background in thermodynamics and reaction kinetics.
• Experience with energetic materials, propellants, or high-hazard chemistry.
• Proven field test leadership in hazardous environments.
• Understanding of maritime safety and regulatory transport rules.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical stability analysis and integration of energetic payloads.
• Own live-range decisions on Go/No-Go for field testing.
• Oversee safe deployment, operation, and recovery of energetic systems.
• Coordinate forensic analysis of misfires or failures.
• Ensure maritime hardening against saltwater, vibration, and moisture.

Skills

Energetics experience

Field operations leadership

Hazardous materials handling

Test execution safety

Chemical stability analysis

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

Safety/regulatory compliance

Job description

The Role

At Surge Marine, we don't just build systems on paper; we prove them in thebrutal conditions of the North Sea. We are seeking a Chemical Engineerspecializing in energetic materials, propellants, or high-hazard chemistryto bridge a critical gap in our subsea payload systems.

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

The Mission

Energetics Integration: Lead the chemical stability analysis andphysical integration of energetic payloads into our Whiplashautonomous platforms.

Ignition & Initiation Chemistry: Design and validate the

thermochemical reliability of fusing sequences. You must ensurezero-fail reaction kinetics when commanded and "always-safe"stability during high-speed, high-shock transit.

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

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

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

Who You Are

You are a rare breed: a disciplined chemical expert with the "sea legs" tooperate 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, MaterialsScience, or a closely related field, with a strong focus onthermodynamics, reaction kinetics, or high-hazard processes.

Energetics Experience: Practical experience working with energeticmaterials, solid/liquid propellants, pyrotechnics, or high-pressuregas systems (mining, aerospace, or heavy industrial backgrounds arehighly relevant).

Field Operations: Proven track record of leading hazardous field tests,scaling up dangerous chemical processes, or managing pilot plantsafety.

Operational Discipline: Deep understanding of chemical stability overtime, material compatibility, and the regulations surroundinghazardous material transport.

The "Lead" Mindset: Calm under pressure. You can manage a testteam and maintain absolute safety protocol when timelines are tight.

Nationality: Due to the sensitivity of our defense contracts, Dutch orNATO-country nationality and security clearance eligibility aremandatory.

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 theplatform you help build.

On-site Hub: Work in our specialized Valkenburg facility, surroundedby the hardware and the team.

No Red Tape: We move fast. If you find a better way to optimize oursystems, we implement it.

Adventure: Real-world testing. You'll see your chemistry perform inthe North Sea, not just in a simulation.