Energetics Manufacturing Engineer - Automation & DoD

PDS Defense, Inc.; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. in Culpeper, VA is seeking an Energetics Manufacturing Engineer to support energetic materials manufacturing operations and drive process improvements. You will work on integrating new technologies and automation, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while mentoring junior engineers.

The role requires deep hands-on experience with energetic materials processes, DoD 4145 standards, and collaboration across safety, quality, and operations teams to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Chemical/Mechanical/Aerospace).
• Minimum 5 years as a Manufacturing Engineer with energetic materials.
• Experience leading process improvements and implementing manufacturing solutions.
• Experience with automation integration and new process introduction.
• Knowledge of DoD 4145 regulations governing energetic materials storage/handling.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize energetic materials manufacturing processes.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance yield and reduce costs.
• Drive integration of new technologies and automation into manufacturing environments.
• Manage NPI activities including process qualification and production readiness reviews.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot energetic processing equipment (e.g., vertical mixers, fluid energy mills).
• Develop SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and control plans.
• Ensure all activities comply with DoD 4145 and safety standards.
• Collaborate with safety, quality, program management, and operations teams.
• Conduct hazard analyses and risk assessments for energetic materials.
• Mentor junior engineers and production staff.
• Support facility and equipment qualification and validation.

Skills

Energetics manufacturing

Process improvement

Automation integration

NPI management

Hazard analysis

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Vertical mixers

Fluid energy mills

Energetic processing equipment

Job description

PDS Defense, Inc. in Culpeper, VA is seeking an Energetics Manufacturing Engineer to support energetic materials manufacturing operations and drive process improvements. You will work on integrating new technologies and automation, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while mentoring junior engineers.

The role requires deep hands-on experience with energetic materials processes, DoD 4145 standards, and collaboration across safety, quality, and operations teams to meet production goals.