Energetic Materials Processing Technician - Pressing Operations

University of Dayton Research Institute; Eglin Air Force Base (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UDRI seeks an Energetic Materials Processing Specialist to support Pressing Operations at the HERD Facility inside AFRL at Eglin AFB, Florida. You will work with scientists and engineers to perform precision pressing and consolidation of energetic materials using servo‑hydraulic systems.

Responsibilities include setup and operation of equipment, monitoring process parameters, performing metrology and density measurements, documenting results, and ensuring safety and materials accountability

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Mechanical Technology, Materials Science, or related field plus 1 year hands-on technical experience. Or HS Diploma plus 3 years in a lab/test environment with energetic materials.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite for planning, communication, and data archival.
• U.S. citizen due to contract requirements and ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and control precision electro‑mechanical and servo‑hydraulic pressing systems to consolidate energetic materials.
• Monitor and optimize pressing variables to achieve target densities and properties.
• Maintain, inspect, and safely operate pressing equipment and safety systems.
• Record process parameters and metrology data; communicate results to engineers and managers.
• Ensure compliance with DoD/USAF/AFRL safety standards and materials accountability.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Associate Degree in Engineering/Mechanical Technology

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (preferred)

Tools

MTS

Instron

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

UDRI is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Energetic Materials Processing Specialist to support Pressing Operations at the High Explosive Research and Development (HERD) Facility located within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Air Warfare Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

This role plays an important operational and technical part in supporting the Department of the Air Force’s cutting‑edge Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) programs. The specialist will execute advanced pressing and consolidation operations for energetic materials and components using precision electro‑mechanical and servo‑hydraulic pressing systems. The candidate will work closely alongside research scientists, test engineers, and other technical specialists to advance the Air Warfare Directorate’s objectives and capabilities.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

Energetic Materials Pressing & Consolidation

Pressing Operations: Set up, operate, and control precision electro‑mechanical and servo‑hydraulic pressing systems to consolidate energetic materials with tight tolerances and specifications.

Process Optimization: Monitor and control pressing variables (e.g., dwell time, compaction force, displacement rates, temperature profiles) to achieve targeted material densities and structural properties.

Equipment Management: Maintain, inspect, and clean precision pressing systems, specialized die sets, pressing fixtures, and safety systems.

Precision Metrology & Characterization

Metrology: Inspect consolidated energetic samples utilizing precision balances, calipers, micrometers, and optical systems.

Density Measurements: Determine sample density and porosity via gas/air pycnometry, geometric calculations, and immersion density methods.

Quality Assurance: Ensure all energetic material samples adhere to engineering drawings, technical specifications, and safety tolerances.

Data Management, Documentation & Reporting

Data Collection: Accurately record, track, and archive process parameters, metrology data, and operational logs with attention to detail.

Technical Communication: Effectively communicate results, observations, and opportunities for improvement to research engineers and program managers.

Safety, Explosives Accountability & Facility Management

Explosive Safety Compliance: Enforce and comply with all DoW, USAF, and AFRL safety standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and explosive safety guidelines.

Materials Accountability: Maintain strict inventory control, documentation, and safe storage protocols for all energetic materials.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform scheduled maintenance, diagnostics, and minor repairs on hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems associated with pressing and laboratory equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Mechanical Technology, Materials Science, or a related technical field plus one (1) year of experience in a hands‑on technical role. Work experience with energetic materials is preferable but not required. OR High School Diploma / GED plus a minimum of three (3) years of experience working in a laboratory or test environment with explosives, propellants, or other energetic materials. Other closely related work experience may be considered.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) for work planning, technical communication, and data archival.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain/maintain U.S. DoD SECRET security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology, or closely related technical field.
• Security Clearance: Possess an active Secret security clearance at the time of hire.
• Hands‑on experience working in energetic materials formulation, processing, pressing, handling, or testing.
• Experience operating MTS, Instron, or similar servo‑hydraulic and/or electro‑mechanical load frames.
• Formal training in explosive safety, hazardous materials handling, and munitions management.
• Demonstrated mechanical and electronic troubleshooting skills with hydraulic systems and laboratory diagnostic equipment.
• Attention to Detail: Executing sensitive and hazardous explosive consolidation protocols and recording metrology data where precision is essential.
• Mathematical & Computational Aptitude: Ability to execute applied mathematical calculations, unit conversions, density equations, and statistical process measurements.
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and procedural anomalies during consolidation and test cycles.
• Safety Mindset: Uncompromising commitment to laboratory safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and hazardous materials management.
• Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams across AFRL, DoD, industrial partners, and national laboratories.

Closing Statement

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.