Energetics Chemist-Propulsion/Explosives (California)

GTN Technical Staffing; Hollister (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GTN Technical Staffing seeks an R&D Chemist to support development and production of energetic materials used in safety-critical devices. The role combines hands-on lab work with formulation development, hazard analysis, and production support.

The candidate will formulate propellants and explosives, perform hazard analyses, maintain compliance, and train others on safe handling practices in a controlled lab and production environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry, materials science, or related discipline.
• 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 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
• Support production/manufacturing operations, ensuring formulations transition from lab to scale
• Maintain documentation and compliance related to explosive material handling and safety standards
• Provide training or mentorship on safe explosive handling practices to others

Skills

Laboratory experience

Energetic materials handling

Hazard analysis

Technical test plans

Job description

R&D Chemist (Energetic Materials, Propellent, Explosive)

Overview

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
• Support production/manufacturing operations, ensuring formulations transition successfully from lab to scale
• Maintain documentation and compliance related to explosive material handling and safety standards
• Provide training or mentorship on safe explosive handling practices to other personnel, as needed

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 (e.g., DOT, ATF, DoD standards, as applicable)

Working Conditions

• Role involves regular exposure to explosive powders, mixtures, and other hazardous materials
• Requires strict adherence to safety protocols in lab and production settings