Propellant Engineer

Astra Core-X; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short

Long-Term disability coverage

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a

Job summary

Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Propellant Engineer to lead the propellant development for our highspeed combined ramjet/rocket missile interceptors. You will be responsible for developing, mixing, testing, and qualifying solid propellants including AP-based booster grains.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Energetics, with 3–10 years of solid propellant experience and U.S. citizenship with eligibility for government clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Energetics.
• 3–10 years of solid propellant development experience.
• Knowledge of metal fuel combustion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen eligible for government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and mix AP/HTPB propellants.
• Develop fuels for air-breathing combustors.
• Perform rheology, cure kinetics, and mechanical property testing.
• Support casting trials, vacuum degassing, and tooling development.
• Manage lab safety, ATF/OSHA compliance, and traceability.

Skills

Solid propellant development

Chemical engineering knowledge

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Bachelor's in Materials Science

Energetics

Job description

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

About the Role

Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Propellant Engineer to lead the propellant development for our highspeed combined ramjet/rocket missile interceptors. You will be responsible for developing, mixing, testing, and qualifying solid propellants including AP-based booster grains.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and mix AP/HTPB propellants.
• Develop fuels for air-breathing combustors.
• Perform rheology, cure kinetics, and mechanical property testing.
• Support casting trials, vacuum degassing, and tooling development.
• Manage lab safety, ATF/OSHA compliance, and traceability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Energetics.
• 3-10 years of experience in solid propellant development.
• Knowledge of metal fuel combustion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Energetics.
• 10+ years of experience in solid propellant development.
• Experience in ducted rocket fuels or metallized ramjet formulations.
• Experience scaling bath size or optimizing cure cycles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Active U.S. government security clearance.

Salary Range

• $140k-$185k

Benefits

• group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one.
• We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match.
• Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.