Lead R&D Chemist – Energetic Materials & Explosives

Rhodes Wolfe; Kansas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

UTEC in Galena, KS is seeking a Lead R&D Chemist to drive development of commercial formulations involving energetic materials and explosives. This role combines hands‑on science with technical leadership of a 3–5 person team and cross‑functional collaboration with operations and customers.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in energetic materials or commercial explosives and a strong background in R&D, formulation development, testing, scale‑up and process safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or physics is required.
• Experience with energetic materials or commercial explosives is required.
• Experience with formulation development, testing, scale-up and process safety is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development and improvement of formulations involving energetic materials and explosives.
• Oversee a small team of scientists and technicians.
• Drive formulation development, testing, scale-up and process optimization.
• Ensure OSHA, ATF, environmental, and laboratory safety compliance.
• Collaborate with operations to execute customer projects.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers; communicate findings and solutions.
• Contribute to project planning, resource allocation and lab priorities.
• Drive innovation and commercialization through customer engagement and partnerships.

Skills

Energetic materials

R&D

Product development

Formulation development

Scale-up

Process safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or physics

Job description

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

Salary: Base + Profit Sharing + Benefits

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Travel: Occasional Domestic Travel + Rare International Travel

Sponsorship is not available

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.

• 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; communicating findings, troubleshooting challenges, and identifying 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
• 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