Propellant Chemist: Hands-on Rocket Materials Lead

Destinus; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a Propellant Engineer to lead formulation, development, and characterization of solid rocket propellants and TPS materials for high-performance motors. You will work hands-on in the lab and pilot-scale, coordinating with propulsion and manufacturing teams worldwide.

The role requires a strong background in chemical engineering or materials science, 5+ years in propellant systems, and fluency in English. German is a plus.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in solid rocket propellant development or closely related polymer/composite material systems.
• Experience with propellant formulation, mixing, casting, and curing processes.
• Strong understanding of polymer-bonded systems, composite materials, and viscoelastic behaviour.
• Experience defining and conducting material characterization programs, including mechanical, thermal, and aging testing.
• Familiarity with establishing standard operating procedures and structured development processes.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate material data into engineering decisions.
• Strong documentation discipline and ability to work in a safety-critical environment.
• Ability to work hands-on in laboratory and pilot-scale environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English required; German is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize solid rocket propellant formulations, balancing performance, mechanical properties, stability, and manufacturability.
• Lead laboratory-scale mixing, casting, curing, and post-processing activities.
• Define and implement characterization methodologies for propellant materials (mechanical, thermal, rheological, ballistic, aging).
• Establish and document standard test procedures, acceptance criteria, and data analysis methods.
• Support process parameter definition and quality control for propellant and TPS manufacturing.
• Analyse formulation trade-offs and drive improvements in performance and reproducibility.
• Support rocket motor development by correlating material properties to motor performance.
• Lead or support investigation of material anomalies and aging effects with root-cause analysis.
• Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation and development plans.
• Collaborate with propulsion, structures, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure integration.

Skills

Propellant formulation

Mixing

Casting

Curing

Mechanical testing

Thermal testing

Aging testing

Polymer-bonded systems

Viscoelastic behavior

Lab documentation

Team collaboration

Education

BSc or MSc in Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

Aerospace Engineering (related)

Tools

Rheometer

DSC / DSC-TGA

ballistic testing

Job description

Destinus is seeking a Propellant Engineer to lead formulation, development, and characterization of solid rocket propellants and TPS materials for high-performance motors. You will work hands-on in the lab and pilot-scale, coordinating with propulsion and manufacturing teams worldwide.

The role requires a strong background in chemical engineering or materials science, 5+ years in propellant systems, and fluency in English. German is a plus.