Lead R&D Chemist – Energetic Materials

Rhodes Wolfe; Galena (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Holidays

PTO

Job summary

Rhodes Wolfe is seeking a Lead R&D Chemist in Galena, KS, to drive development efforts for energetic materials. This role combines scientific expertise with leadership, overseeing a team while collaborating cross-functionally. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of experience in energetic materials or commercial explosives, a strong background in R&D, and be skilled in formulation development and safety standards.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Physics, with a commitment to innovation in a specialized industry. Relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with energetic materials or commercial explosives required.
• Strong background with R&D and product development required.
• Experience with formulation development, testing, scale-up, and process safety required.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and improvement of commercial formulations involving energetic materials.
• Oversee a small team of scientists, technicians, and laboratory personnel.
• Drive formulation development, testing, and process optimization efforts.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with operations to execute customer projects.

Skills

Energetic materials

Commercial explosives

R&D

Formulation development

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or physics

Job description

Lead R&D Chemist – Energetic Materials

Location: Galena, KS (Ideal for Those Who Love the Outdoors; Relocation Assistance is Available)

Salary: Base + Profit Sharing + Benefits

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Holidays, PTO

Job Type: Full-Time

Typical Hours: 9/80 Schedule, Every Other Friday Off

Travel: Occasional Domestic Travel + Rare International Travel

Sponsorship: Not Available

Lead R&D Chemist Description

Our client, UTEC, a leader in the commercial energetic materials and explosives industry, is looking for a Lead R&D Chemist to drive development efforts and support the company’s continued growth. This role combines hands‑on scientific expertise with technical leadership, team development, customer engagement, and strategic support across the business. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in energetic materials, commercial explosives, or similarly reactive systems, along with the ability to guide a small technical team (3‑5), translate complex concepts for customers and stakeholders, and identify new application opportunities that advance innovation. This is a highly cross‑functional role with exposure across multiple industries and applications, partnering with leading organizations in explosives, mining, defense, and energetic materials. It’s a rare chance to shape technical direction, influence product development, and make a meaningful impact in a highly specialized industry.

Important Note: We are working directly with UTEC Corporation. To be considered for an interview, please apply directly to this job posting.

Lead R&D Chemist Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and improvement of commercial formulations and related products involving energetic materials, explosives, and hazardous chemical systems.
• Oversee a small team of scientists, technicians, and laboratory personnel.
• Drive formulation development, testing, scale‑up activities, and process optimization efforts.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ATF, environmental, and laboratory safety regulations.
• Collaborate with operations and technical personnel to execute customer projects.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers; communicate findings, troubleshoot challenges, and identify potential solutions.
• Contribute to project planning, resource allocation, and laboratory priorities.
• Drive innovation, and commercialization of new applications through customer engagement and technical partnerships.

Lead R&D Chemist Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or physics required.
• 7+ years of experience with energetic materials or commercial explosives required.
• Strong background with R&D and product development required.
• Experience with formulation development, testing, scale‑up, and process safety required.
• Ability to obtain ATF Employee Possessor status required.