Chemist

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

Job summary

Confidential, a California-based materials developer, seeks an R&D Chemist to support development and production of energetic materials used in safety devices such as automotive airbags and inflator systems. The role blends hands-on lab work with formulation development, hazard analysis, and production support.

You will formulate propellants and energetic formulations, handle energetic materials safely, perform wet chemistry on fuel and oxidizer components, and write test plans while ensuring

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience in 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.

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

Skills

Hands-on laboratory experience

Hazard analysis

Propellants/explosives handling

Formulation development

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