Ordnance and Energetics Expert

Strativ Group; Valkenburg; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity/Options

On-site Hub

No Red Tape

Adventure

Job summary

Strativ Group in Valkenburg, Netherlands, seeks an Ordnance & Energetics Expert to lead field tests and manage energetic payloads on Whiplash platforms. You will oversee live-range operations, safety, and recovery of assets in demanding marine environments.

Channeling extensive experience with explosives, SADs, and modular integration, you’ll ensure safe testing, compliance with range authorities, and post-test analyses.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering and ordnance/EOD certification.
• Experience leading hazardous field tests in maritime or remote environments.
• Deep understanding of primary/secondary explosives, pyrotechnic initiators, and electronic safety/arming devices (SADs).
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical linkages or firing circuits on a moving deck in rain.

Responsibilities

• Field Test Leadership: Own the Live Range environment and make Go/No-Go decisions for energetic systems during tests.
• System Integration: Lead mechanical and electrical integration of ordnance and energetic payloads into Whiplash platforms.
• Fuse & Ignition Systems: Design and validate fusing sequences with zero-fail reliability and safe operation.
• Range Safety & Logistics: Develop safety plans and coordinate with maritime authorities for range clearance and transport.
• Environmental Hardening: Ensure energetic components are maritime-hardened against saltwater, vibration, and shock.
• Post-Test Analysis: Lead recovery and Safe-to-Board procedures and analyze misfires or failures.

Skills

Field Test Leadership

Hazardous environments

Explosives & SADs knowledge

Maritime operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Ordnance/EOD certification

Job description

Ordnance & Energetics Expert (Field Test Lead)

The Role

We don't just build systems on paper; we prove them in the brutal conditions of the North Sea. We are seeking an Ordnance & Energetics Expert.

You won't just be designing the "business end" of our maritime robotics—you will be the Lead Test Officer responsible for the safe execution, deployment, and recovery of energetic payloads during live-fire and shock-test sea trials.

The Mission

• Field Test Leadership: Own the "Live Range" environment. You are the final authority on "Go/No-Go" decisions for all energetic systems during field testing.
• System Integration: Lead the mechanical and electrical integration of ordnance and energetic payloads into our Whiplash autonomous platforms.
• Fuse & Ignition Systems: Design and validate electronic/mechanical fusing sequences. Ensure zero-fail reliability when commanded and "always-safe" stability during high-speed transit.
• Range Safety & Logistics: Develop and execute mission-specific safety plans. Coordinate with maritime authorities for range clearance and hazardous material transport.
• Environmental Hardening: Ensure all energetic components and triggering mechanisms are "maritime-hardened" against saltwater, extreme vibration, and shock.
• Post-Test Analysis: Lead the recovery and "Safe-to-Board" procedures for platforms. Conduct forensic analysis on any misfires or mechanical failures.

Who You Are

You are a rare breed: a disciplined technical 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 Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, plus formal ordnance/EOD certification.
• Field Experience: Proven track record of leading hazardous field tests, preferably in maritime or remote environments.
• Operational Discipline: Deep understanding of primary/secondary explosives, pyrotechnic initiators, and electronic safety & arming devices (SADs).
• Mechanical Mastery: Ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical linkages or firing circuits on a moving deck in the rain.
• 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

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

• Competitive Salary: Scaled to your "black magic" skills 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 systems perform in the North Sea, not just on a screen.