Principal Propellant Chemist

Raytheon; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Raytheon’s Materials Engineering Department in Tucson seeks a propellant chemist with chemical analysis and non-metal materials experience to join our team on site.

The role involves hands-on testing of materials, collaboration with engineers and suppliers, and project leadership across design, development and production programs. Travel to suppliers may be required; attention to detail and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with propellant mixers and standard laboratory equipment.
• Experience in instrumental analysis techniques (FTIR, UV-Vis, DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA, Rheology, GCMS, NMR, ICP-OES, HPLC, GPC, SEM, EDS).

Responsibilities

• Support programs in assessing supplier data and troubleshoot issues at suppliers; travel to energetic suppliers as needed.
• Assess materials based on conformance to specifications.
• Conduct hands-on testing of materials using laboratory techniques and instrumentation in Tucson.
• Perform standard chemical analyses using FTIR, SEM-EDS, GC-MS, LC, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA.
• Develop methods and test plans.
• Lead various characterization and design projects.
• Communicate results and project status to engineers and management.
• Document data and findings clearly.

Skills

Propellant chemistry

Laboratory testing

Project management

Data analysis

Chemical analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

ACS certified Chemistry degree

Tools

FTIR

SEM-EDS

GC-MS

LC

NMR

TGA

DSC

DMA

Job description

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

The Materials Engineering Department (NE‑SW), which functions within the Mechanical Products Team, is looking for a propellant chemist with chemical analysis and non‑metal materials application experience to join our team in Tucson, Arizona.

This fully on‑site position will offer a qualified candidate the opportunity to engage our energetic suppliers in assessment of propellant properties, engage subject matter experts within Raytheon and the industry as well as conduct standard chemical laboratory analysis and perform hands‑on testing of materials including adhesives, polymers, tapes, composites, and various other production materials. The role will support all phases of product life cycle (including design, development and production) for a multitude of programs. Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing, mechanical properties, failure analysis, material characterization, development, process improvement and obsolescence. Energetic work is expected to be approximately ¼ to ½ time supporting energetic assessments with the remaining time supporting material characterization in our laboratory. Tasks will require careful attention to detail, fundamental scientific and material knowledge, project management skills, chemistry laboratory skills, testing of materials, and documentation of results. Collaboration with engineers, subject matter experts, and suppliers is required. Candidate must be able to manage and coordinate a wide variety of simultaneous tasks within set schedule requirements.

What You Will Do

• Support programs in assessing supplier data from energetic suppliers. Troubleshoot problems and provide solutions to problems at suppliers. This will require travel at times to energetic suppliers to support root cause corrective action.
• Assess materials based on conformance to specifications.
• Conduct hands‑on testing of materials using a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation at our Tucson Facility.
• Conduct standard chemical analysis laboratory testing using a variety of instrumentation including: FTIR, SEM‑EDS, GC‑MS, LC, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA.
• Method and test plan development.
• Lead various characterization and design projects.
• Follow standard written protocols and utilize a variety of databases.
• Team with subject matter experts and management to understand material usage.
• Consistent engagement with engineers, subject matter experts and management to provide project status updates.
• Document and communicate results and findings.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience.
• Experience in using propellant mixers and standard laboratory equipment (i.e., ovens, thermometers, calipers, and microscope).
• Experience in instrumental analysis techniques (i.e., FTIR, UV‑Vis, DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA, Rheology, GCMS, NMR, ICP‑OES, HPLC, GPC, SEM, EDS).

Qualifications We Prefer

• 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.
• Specific majors: 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 and simulation, statistics, and various 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 based projects including failure analysis investigations.
• Ability to write concise technical reports summarizing analyses.
• MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: safety, trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD – 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, 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. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

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.