Energetic Materials and Processing Scientist

Physical Sciences Inc.; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Physical Sciences Inc. seeks a scientist/engineer with experience in energetic material processing and characterization. The role covers development, testing, and scale-up of materials from lab research to production at PSI’s facilities in Andover, MA and Epping, NH.

The candidate should have a hands-on approach, experience with hazardous chemicals, and a strong foundation in chemistry, materials science, and propulsion-related disciplines. U.S. citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in a STEM field is required.
• Solid foundation in chemistry, materials science, reaction kinetics, combustion, thermodynamics, and heat/mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Support development, testing, and scale-up from lab research through pilot operations to production.
• Handle hazardous chemicals and composite materials safely.
• Troubleshoot engineering systems using first-principles thinking.
• Support pilot plant or production-scale materials manufacturing.

Skills

Energetic materials handling

Lab equipment handling

Data acquisition

Materials science fundamentals

Reaction kinetics

Combustion & thermodynamics

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in chemical, materials science, aerospace, or mechanical engineering

Tools

LabView

Pressure transducers

Thermocouples

High-speed video

Job description

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PSI’s is seeking a scientist / engineer with experience in energetic material processing and characterization. PSI is driving innovation in the fields of explosive materials synthesis, solid propellants formulation, and munition systems development, with a diverse portfolio of technologies funded by DoW and NASA.

We are seeking a practical, hands‑on scientist with experience in handling and processing hazardous chemicals and composite materials. This individual will support the development, testing, and scale‑up of materials and processes from laboratory research through pilot operations and into production. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in material sciences, solid rocket motors and munitions technologies, demonstrates initiative and ownership, and is comfortable working independently to solve complex technical challenges. Resourcefulness and the ability to troubleshoot engineering systems using first‑principles thinking are essential.

Candidates should possess a solid foundation and demonstrated interest in several of the following core disciplines: chemistry, materials science, reaction kinetics, combustion, thermodynamics, and heat and mass transfer.

Required Skills Include

• Experience with basic lab equipment such as analytical scales, gas bottles, regulators, chillers, lab scale‑mixers, glassware, etc.
• Ability to safely handle and measure organic solvents, oxidizers, acids, and other hazardous chemicals, including explosives.
• Experience with research and development of materials, design of experiments and statistical data analysis.

A preferred candidate will also have experience in some or all the following:

• Energetic material handling, manufacture and test.
• Rocket motor manufacturing and test.
• Data acquisition, including use of LabView, pressure transducers, thermocouples, high speed video, and other common analog sensors.
• Mechanical and thermal material property testing and analysis.
• Pilot plant or production scale materials manufacturing.
• Use of chemical equilibrium models for propulsion and/or explosive applications.
• Evidence of having worked on multiple projects independently and simultaneously.

Work will be conducted at PSI’s manufacturing and test facility in Epping, NH, as well as at the company’s headquarters in Andover, MA. This role requires the ability to occasionally move, lift, and position equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and to support outdoor test operations in both hot and cold weather conditions.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemical, materials science, aerospace, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM discipline is required.

Additional Information

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• PSI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay Range:

The estimated annual base salary range for this role is $83K–$108K. The actual salary offered will depend on the candidate’s experience, education, and specialized skills.