Process Chemist

AT Process Technologies; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AT Process Technologies in Waltham, MA is seeking a process development chemist to own the research, development, optimization, and piloting of our energetic materials synthesis. This role defines ATP’s production strategy and requires expertise in reaction development and process chemistry.

You will work with continuous-flow synthesis, nitration and other exothermic chemistries, separations, crystallization, solvent recovery, and scale-up for pilot plants.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S./PhD in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in chemical process development.
• Proficiency with bench-top synthesis and laboratory practices.
• Basic analytical chemistry experience (NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR).
• Ability to work hands-on in laboratory, fabrication, and plant environments.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify, design, and execute critical lab experiments with rigor and precision.
• Develop and optimize core synthesis and downstream processing; justify decisions with data.
• Serve as SME on selected reaction steps and unit operations.
• Understand manufacturing process and assist pilot plant design and optimization.
• Maintain a rigorous process-safety mindset across development stages.
• Simplify complex processes

Skills

5+ years process development

Bench-top synthesis methods

Problem solving

Hands-on lab/plant work

Education

B.S./M.S./PhD in Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Tools

NMR

HPLC

GC-MS

FTIR

Job description

AT Process Technologies (ATP) is a pioneering manufacturing company focused on the development and deployment of modular energetics production plants. Using breakthrough chemistry and automation that operates continuously and generates little to no waste, ATP is expanding energetics production to meet the munitions demands of the US and Allies safely, rapidly, and cost effectively.

Summary

We are seeking a process development chemist to own and execute the research, development, optimization, and piloting of our energetic materials synthesis. This position will play a foundational role in defining ATP’s production strategy and requires a background in reaction development and process chemistry. Technical items including continuous-flow synthesis, nitration and other strongly exothermic reaction chemistry, separations, crystallization/recrystallization, and solvent recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, design, and execute critical lab experiments with high rigor and precision, generating reliable, actionable data for reaction and unit-operation design and scale-up.
• Develop and optimize core synthesis and downstream processing, evaluating competing technical pathways and justifying key decisions using experimental results, process modeling, cost, and scale-up constraints.
• Become the team’s subject-matter expert on selected reaction steps and unit operations, leveraging available research, vendor insight, and your own experiments.
• Develop a deep understanding of our manufacturing process and aid in the design and optimization of our first-of-a-kind pilot and demonstration plants.
• Operate with a rigorous process-safety mindset, integrating hazard analysis and thermal/stability considerations into every stage of development.
• Simplify complex things

Required Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or PhD in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline

• 5+ years of professional experience in chemical process development

• High proficiency with bench-top synthesis methods, laboratory practices

• Basic analytical chemistry experience (NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR)

• Ability to work hands on in laboratory, fabrication, and plant environments

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with continuous-flow / microreactor chemistry and reaction scale-up.
• Background in analytical chemistry for quality control: familiarity with method development on HPLC, IC, NMR, ICP-OES/MS, DSC/TGA, etc.
• Hardware intuition: you’re comfortable assembling, modifying, and troubleshooting lab- and pilot-scale systems.
• Prior experience developing energetic materials, propellants, or other regulated/high-hazard chemistries — or transferable process-chemistry experience from pharma, fine/specialty chemicals, or CDMO process development.
• Practical mechanical and industrial-site experience with pilot-scale and larger process equipment and plant troubleshooting.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs

• U.S. Person and ability to obtain a security clearance

• Ability to work on-site and travel as needed

ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to information and technology protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to these regulations, applicants must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, which includes (i) U.S. citizens or nationals, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), (iii) refugees under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylees under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AT Process Technologies 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, disability, or protected veteran status

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

E-Verify

AT Process Technologies participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees.