Design Engineer - Energetics

Critical Fit Recruiting; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Critical Fit Recruiting is seeking a Design Engineer to join our Engineering department in support of critical U.S. defense programs. The candidate must have a minimum of 3 years design/product development experience in energetic materials/batteries and be a U.S.

citizen eligible for DoD security clearance. Responsibilities include leading product development for energetic components, designing detonators, performing tests, and ensuring compliance with MIL-STD and DoD requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years design/product development experience in energetic materials/batteries.
• U.S. citizenship and eligible to obtain DoD security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related technical discipline.
• Strong understanding of energetic materials, pyrotechnic compositions, initiation systems and chemical kinetics.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development 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.

Job description

DESCRIPTION:

We are looking for a 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