Head of Kinetics & Energetic Materials

Destinus; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is shaping the defense landscape with cutting‑edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and high‑precision energetic materials. As Head of Kinetics, you will lead the propulsion‑critical production, coordinating with engineering, R&D, and quality teams to translate concepts into operational capabilities and ensure top safety and performance standards.

You will drive manufacturing processes, implement robust safety protocols, and mentor specialists in energetic materials, aligning production with

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in explosives, pyrotechnics, or energetic materials production in aerospace, defense, or similar high-regulation industries.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing technical teams in a high-stakes environment.
• Deep understanding of safety, compliance, and quality standards for energetic materials.
• Hands-on expertise in process optimization and problem-solving under pressure.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to translate long-term objectives into actionable production plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire kinetics production operations from strategy to execution, ensuring every product meets the highest safety and performance standards.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, and quality teams to transform concepts into operational capabilities.
• Oversee manufacturing processes, implement robust safety protocols, drive efficiency improvements, and mentor a team of specialists in energetic materials.
• Be the decision-maker in production priorities, resource allocation, and compliance, ensuring every deliverable leaves the facility ready for the most demanding missions.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Process optimization

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Job description

Destinus is shaping the defense landscape with cutting‑edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and high‑precision energetic materials. As Head of Kinetics, you will lead the propulsion‑critical production, coordinating with engineering, R&D, and quality teams to translate concepts into operational capabilities and ensure top safety and performance standards.

You will drive manufacturing processes, implement robust safety protocols, and mentor specialists in energetic materials, aligning production with