Energetics Manufacturing Engineer

Motive Companies, LLC; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Motive Companies, LLC is seeking an Energetics Manufacturing Engineer in Culpeper, VA to optimize energetic materials production, improve processes, and integrate automation. The role emphasizes safety, compliance with explosives regulations, and hands-on equipment handling.

The ideal candidate has a chemical/related engineering degree, 5+ years in energetic materials manufacturing, and a track record of process improvements within defense or explosives settings. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience working directly with energetic materials.
• Experience leading manufacturing process improvements and implementing solutions.
• Experience integrating new technologies, automation, and new manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of DoD 4145 standards governing storage, handling, and manufacturing of ammunition and explosives.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize processes for energetic materials with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to increase yield and reduce costs.
• Integrate new technologies and automation into manufacturing operations.
• Manage new process introduction, including qualification, documentation, and readiness.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized equipment (vertical mixers, fluid energy mills).
• Develop SOPs, process flow diagrams, and control plans.

Skills

Experience with energetic materials

Process improvement

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Vertical mixers

Fluid energy mills

Job description

Job Details

A&D/Semi

Energetics Manufacturing Engineer Culpeper, VA

Posted: 10/23/2026

Job Description

Job ID#: 87024

Job Category: A&D/Semi

Position Type: Contract

Duration: 12+ months

Shift: 1

Energetics Manufacturing Engineer We are seeking an experienced Energetics Manufacturing Engineer to support and improve energetic materials manufacturing operations. This role focuses on process optimization, new technology and automation integration, equipment qualification, and ensuring compliance with explosives safety regulations. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in energetic materials manufacturing, a strong engineering background, and a proven ability to improve production processes while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

Position Details

• Citizenship: U.S. citizens only; no dual citizenship
• Security Clearance: Active Secret clearance not required at start, but candidates must be willing and able to obtain one if needed during the contract
• Schedule: 4/10 work schedule (four 10-hour days)
• Travel: Up to 25%, primarily to the East Coast

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for energetic materials, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to increase yield, reduce costs, and improve production performance.
• Integrate new technologies and automation into existing manufacturing operations.
• Manage new process introduction (NPI), including process qualification, documentation, and production readiness.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized equipment, including vertical mixers, fluid energy mills, and related energetic processing systems.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and control plans.
• Ensure compliance with DoD 4145 standards and applicable explosives safety regulations.
• Conduct hazard analyses and risk assessments for energetic materials processing.
• Partner with safety, quality, operations, and program management teams to meet production objectives.
• Support equipment and facility qualification, process validation, and acceptance testing.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and production personnel.

Job Requirements Minimum Security Clearance: Secret

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience working directly with energetic materials.
• Proven experience leading manufacturing process improvements and implementing effective solutions.
• Experience integrating new technologies, automation, and introducing new manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of DoD 4145 standards governing the storage, handling, and manufacturing of ammunition and explosives.
• Must meet U.S. citizenship requirements and be eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of energetic materials manufacturing engineering experience.
• Hands‑on experience with vertical mixing systems, fluid energy mills, and other energetic materials processing equipment.
• Knowledge of Explosives Safety Site Plans (ESSPs), quantity‑distance (Q‑D) requirements, and DoD/DoE explosives safety standards.
• Experience in defense contracting or government manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance.

$50.00-$53.85 per hour (DOE)