Battery Design Engineer

Critical Fit Recruiting; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Critical Fit Recruiting is seeking a Battery Design Engineer to support critical U.S. defense programs in the Engineering department.

You will lead energetic component development from concept to production and design detonator systems, CAD/PAD devices, and initiation systems with rigorous safety and regulatory alignment. You should have 3+ years in energetics or energetic materials, with strong CAD/data analysis skills and the ability to work across manufacturing, government offices, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• Minimum 3 years in energetics, pyrotechnics, or explosive device development.
• Understanding of energetic materials, initiation systems, and chemical kinetics.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD standards and qualification testing requirements.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of energetic components from concept through production release.
• Design electric detonators, initiators, and CAD/PAD devices with specs.
• Test energetic materials and initiating systems for performance, stability, and safety.
• Execute qualification and acceptance tests per military specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize production and ensure safety compliance.
• Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, DDESB, and DoD requirements.
• Develop data packages, engineering drawings, test reports, and specifications.
• Provide technical support to internal teams, customers, and government offices.

Skills

CAD software

Data analysis

Technical writing

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

CAD software

Data analysis tools

MS Office

Job description

We are looking for a Battery Design Engineer to join the Engineering department in support of critical U.S. defense programs.

**Candidate must have minimum of 3 years design/product development experience in energetic materials/batteries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead product development efforts for energetic components and detonator systems from concept through qualification and production release
• Design electric detonators, stab detonators, initiators, and CAD/PAD devices, including material selection, component specifications, and assembly processes
• Conduct testing and analysis of energetic materials, pyrotechnic compositions, and initiating systems to evaluate performance, stability, sensitivity, and compatibility
• Design and execute qualification and acceptance test programs including environmental, functional, and lot acceptance testing per military specifications
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize production processes for energetic loading, assembly, and quality control while maintaining rigorous safety protocols
• Ensure products meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements through hazard analysis and documentation in accordance with MIL-STD, DDESB, and DoD requirements
• Develop and maintain technical data packages, engineering drawings, test reports, and specifications to support program and customer deliverables
• Provide technical support to internal teams, customers, and government program offices regarding product specifications, failure analysis, and troubleshooting

BACKGROUND PROFILE:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in energetics, pyrotechnics, or explosive device development
• Strong understanding of energetic materials, pyrotechnic compositions, initiation systems, and chemical kinetics
• Familiarity with military specifications and standards (MIL-STD-1316, MIL-DTL-23659, MIL-PRF-19690) and qualification testing requirements
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and safety standards for energetic materials (DDESB, ATF, DOT)
• Proficiency with CAD software and data analysis applications
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• U.S. citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline
• Direct experience with detonator design, CAD/PAD systems, or initiating device development
• Prior experience in defense or aerospace applications
• Active DoD security clearance
• Experience with product lifecycle management in regulated defense programs
• Background in supplier qualification and supply chain management for energetic materials