Chemist

Confidential; Hollister (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in California is seeking an R&D Chemist to support the development and production of energetic materials used in safety-critical devices, including automotive airbags, aircraft evacuation systems, and related safety hardware.

The role combines hands-on lab work with formulation development, hazard analysis, and production support, addressing propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnic formulations in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry/materials science.
• Experience handling propellants, explosives, or energetic powders.
• Experience writing test plans and conducting hazard analyses.
• Background in energetic materials formulation or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and develop propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnic mixtures.
• Handle energetic materials following safety protocols.
• Conduct wet chemistry work on fuel and oxidizer components.
• Write and execute test plans for new and existing formulations.
• Perform hazard analyses on materials, processes, and formulations.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory experience

Propellants handling

Hazard analysis

Test plan writing

Pyrotechnic formulation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related

Job description

R&D Chemist (RELO AVAILABLE on case by case basis)

$140K- $165K

Direct Hire

We are seeking an R&D Chemist to support the development and production of energetic materials used in safety-critical devices, including automotive airbags, aircraft evacuation slide inflators, and emergency hatch/canopy separation systems. This role combines hands-on lab work with formulation development, hazard analysis, and production support.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and develop propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnic mixtures for use in safety devices
• Handle and process explosive powders, mixtures, and other energetic materials in accordance with safety protocols
• Conduct wet chemistry work related to fuel and oxidizer components for energetic formulations
• Write and execute test plans for new and existing formulations
• Perform hazard analyses on materials, processes, and formulations

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on laboratory experience (chemistry, materials science, or related discipline)
• Demonstrated experience handling propellants, explosives, and/or energetic powders
• Experience writing technical test plans and conducting hazard/safety analyses
• Background in explosives, propellants, or pyrotechnics formulation or manufacturing

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in production/manufacturing environments for energetic materials
• Experience teaching or training others in explosive handling procedures
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements governing energetic materials