Principal Propellant Chemist

Prattwhitney; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match

Parental leave

Job summary

Prattwhitney in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a skilled propellant chemist to support various programs. The role involves hands-on testing of materials and conducting chemical analysis using advanced instrumentation. A university degree with relevant experience is required, along with an active U.S. government security clearance.

The position offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• 8+ years relevant experience or 5+ years with an advanced degree.
• Experience with propellant mixers and laboratory equipment.
• Active U.S. government issued security clearance (Secret).

Responsibilities

• Engage with energetic suppliers for material assessment.
• Conduct hands-on testing of materials.
• Develop test plans and lead characterization projects.

Skills

Analytical chemistry principles application

Instrumental analysis techniques

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

University degree or advanced degree in Chemistry

Tools

FTIR

GC-MS

SEM

DSC

Job description

Job Overview

The Materials Engineering Department (NE-SW) within the Mechanical Products Team is looking for a propellant chemist with chemical analysis and non‑metal materials application experience to join the team in Tucson, Arizona. This fully on‑site position will involve engaging energetic suppliers, conducting standard chemical laboratory analysis, and performing hands‑on testing of materials including adhesives, polymers, tapes, composites, and various production materials. The role supports all phases of product life cycle for multiple programs, covering propellant chemistry, processing, mechanical properties, failure analysis, material characterization, development, process improvement and obsolescence.

Responsibilities

• Support programs in assessing supplier data from energetic suppliers.
• Troubleshoot problems and provide solutions at suppliers, including travel to support root‑cause corrective action when required.
• Assess materials for conformance to specifications.
• Conduct hands‑on testing of materials using laboratory techniques and instrumentation at the Tucson facility.
• Perform standard chemical analysis laboratory testing with instrumentation such as FTIR, SEM‑EDS, GC‑MS, LC, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA.
• Develop test plans and methods.
• Lead various characterization and design projects.
• Follow written protocols and utilize databases.
• Collaborate with subject‑matter experts, engineers, and management to understand material usage.
• Provide status updates on projects to engineers, experts, and management.
• Document and communicate results and findings.

Required Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent experience with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 5 years experience.
• Experience using propellant mixers and standard laboratory equipment (e.g., ovens, thermometers, calipers, microscope).
• Experience with instrumental analysis techniques, including FTIR, UV‑Vis, DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA, rheology, GC‑MS, NMR, ICP‑OES, HPLC, GPC, SEM, EDS.
• Active and transferable U.S. government‑issued security clearance (Secret) is required prior to start date.
• U.S. citizenship required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
• Equivalent MOS: 89D (US Army), 2171 (US Marine Corps), 4B0X1 (US Air Force).
• Demonstrated ability to apply analytical chemistry principles to industry applications.
• ACS certified chemistry degree with strong analytical/instrumentation skills.
• Understanding of polymer chemistry.
• Understanding of systems engineering.
• Understanding of material safety datasheets and military/industrial specifications.
• Knowledge of data analysis, modeling, simulation, statistics, and computational techniques for complex multi‑variable problems.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, planning, and time‑management skills.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and complete multi‑disciplined scientific projects including failure‑analysis investigations.
• Ability to write concise technical reports summarizing analyses.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee Scholar Program.
• Parental leave.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Annual incentive compensation programs (short‑term and long‑term).

Equal Opportunity Employer

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.