Energetics Manufacturing Engineer

CHIPTON-ROSS Inc.; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Chipton-Ross is seeking an Energetics Manufacturing Engineer for a contract opportunity in Culpeper, VA. The role focuses on advancing energetic materials manufacturing operations, driving process improvements, integrating new technologies and automation, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with energetic materials manufacturing processes and a strong engineering foundation, capable of leading process initiatives and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience as a Manufacturing Engineer working directly with energetic materials.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement initiatives and implementing solutions in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with new technology/automation integration and new process introduction.
• Working knowledge of DoD 4145 regulations and standards governing the storage, handling, and manufacturing of ammunition and explosives.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for energetic materials, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency standards are met.
• Lead and execute process improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance yield, reduce costs, and improve operational performance.
• Drive the integration of new technologies and automation solutions into existing manufacturing environments.
• Manage new process introduction (NPI) activities, including process qualification, documentation, and production readiness reviews.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized process equipment including vertical mixers, fluid energy mills, and other related energetic processing equipment.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and control plans.
• Ensure all manufacturing activities are conducted in compliance with DoD 4145 standards and other applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with safety, quality, program management, and operations teams to support production goals.
• Conduct hazard analyses and risk assessments associated with energetic materials processing.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and production personnel.
• Support facility and equipment qualification activities, including process validation and acceptance testing.

Skills

Manufacturing Engineer

Energetic materials

Process improvement

Automation integration

Regulatory compliance

New process introduction

Hazard analysis

Education

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Vertical mixing systems

Fluid energy mills

Job description

Chipton-Ross is seeking an Energetics Manufacturing Engineer for a contract opportunity in Culpeper, VA.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE):

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Manufacturing Engineer working directly with energetic materials
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement initiatives and implementing solutions in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with new technology/automation integration and new process introduction
• Working knowledge of DoD 4145 regulations and standards governing the storage, handling, and manufacturing of ammunition and explosives

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

We are seeking an experienced Energetics Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. This role is responsible for supporting and advancing energetic materials manufacturing operations, driving process improvements, integrating new technologies and automation, and ensuring compliance with applicable safety and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate brings deep hands‑on experience with energetic materials manufacturing processes and a strong engineering foundation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for energetic materials, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency standards are met
• Lead and execute process improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance yield, reduce costs, and improve operational performance
• Drive the integration of new technologies and automation solutions into existing manufacturing environments
• Manage new process introduction (NPI) activities, including process qualification, documentation, and production readiness reviews
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized process equipment including vertical mixers, fluid energy mills, and other related energetic processing equipment
• Develop and maintain process documentation including SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and control plans
• Ensure all manufacturing activities are conducted in compliance with DoD 4145 standards and other applicable safety and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate cross-functionally with safety, quality, program management, and operations teams to support production goals
• Conduct hazard analyses and risk assessments associated with energetic materials processing
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and production personnel
• Support facility and equipment qualification activities, including process validation and acceptance testing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE):

• 10 or more years of experience in energetic materials manufacturing engineering
• Hands‑on experience with vertical mixing systems, fluid energy mills, and other energetic materials processing equipment
• Chemical Engineering degree strongly preferred
• Familiarity with explosive safety site plans (ESSPs), quantity-distance (Q-D) requirements, and related DoD/DoE safety frameworks
• Experience working within a defense contractor or government manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Active DoD Security Clearance or ability to obtain one

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Accredited Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline

WORK HOURS:

• 9/80