Propellant Chemist & Formulation Engineer (Energetics)

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services, Inc; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off

Company holidays

Job summary

Prometheus Energetics seeks a Propellant Chemist / Formulation Engineer to advance solid propellant formulations from lab to pilot scale. You will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Safety, and test teams to translate ballistic requirements into robust energetic formulations.

The role emphasizes safe handling, materials characterization, documentation, and compliance with DoD standards and ITAR, with eligibility for U.S. government clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive hands-on experience in energetic materials formulation, propellant chemistry, or reactive materials manufacturing within an aerospace and defense environment.
• Solid understanding of solid composite propellant ingredients, binder systems (e.g., HTPB), curing chemistry, and energetic material thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated proficiency with materials characterization and laboratory instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheometers).
• Familiarity with pilot-scale mixing, vacuum casting processes, and manufacturing floor support.
• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing propellant formulation strategies and optimize binder systems and mixtures.
• Conduct lab-scale mixing, casting, and sample preparation under strict safety protocols.
• Perform physical and chemical characterization tests to evaluate thermal stability and cure kinetics.
• Support transition of lab recipes to pilot and production-scale processes.
• Coordinate with EHS and safety teams to ensure compliance with DoD standards and ITAR.
• Maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and test reports.

Skills

Energetic materials formulation

Materials characterization

Laboratory testing

Pilot-scale processing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Rheometer

Job description

Prometheus Energetics seeks a Propellant Chemist / Formulation Engineer to advance solid propellant formulations from lab to pilot scale. You will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Safety, and test teams to translate ballistic requirements into robust energetic formulations.

The role emphasizes safe handling, materials characterization, documentation, and compliance with DoD standards and ITAR, with eligibility for U.S. government clearance.