Propulsion Initiation & Energetic Devices Lead Engineer

People First Recruitment; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

People First Recruitment seeks a Lead Engineer for Propulsion Initiation & Energetic Devices in Metro Detroit, MI. You will design and qualify pyrotechnic systems, align requirements, validate designs, and document milestones to support flight-critical missions.

The role demands 10+ years of experience in energetic components, a BS+ in a relevant field, and strong V&V knowledge; relocation and a signing bonus are available.

Qualifications

• Hands-on with requirements verification and validation (V&V).
• Knowledge of ammunition and explosive certification processes.
• Strong written communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and qualification of energetic components and propellants.
• Plan and run development and qualification testing; drive improvements from data analysis.
• Author and present test plans, reports, and artifacts to satisfy government standards.

Skills

V&V experience

Data-driven analysis

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Job description

Propulsion Initiation & Energetic Devices Lead EngineerLocation: Metro Detroit, MI (Onsite) | Comp: $120,000–$150,000 base + annual bonus + signing bonus | Relocation: AvailableWhat if your next design fired the start to a successful mission? Join a well-established, privately held aerospace propulsion company and lead the design and qualification of pyrotechnic systems—gas generators, initiators, and igniters—that enable flight-critical performance.Your missionYou’ll be the conductor of the product life cycle—aligning requirements, engineering the solution, validating the design, and documenting every milestone.Translate customer and internal needs into clear specifications and verification approaches from concept to qualification.Design and analyze energetic components and propellants; partner with manufacturing to ensure robust build processes.Plan and run development/qualification testing, then reduce and analyze data to drive improvements.Author and present test plans, reports, and technical artifacts that stand up to scrutiny.Interpret and apply relevant government regulations, safety standards, and procedures for energetic devices.Are you the expert we’re looking for?10+ years developing and qualifying energetic components.BS or higher in Chemistry, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering; Project Management backgrounds considered.Hands-on with requirements verification and validation (V&V).Knowledge of ammunition and explosive certification processes.Meticulous organization, data-driven analysis, and crisp documentation.Strong written communication and presentation skills.Growth and impactOwn meaningful hardware in a stable environment with long engineering tenures. Avoid the churn of defense-prime layoff cycles and focus on building flight-critical systems. Competitive pay, a signing bonus, and paid relocation support your move and momentum.Core proficiencies & techProficiencies: energetic, Explosives, Ordnance, Propellant, Pyrotechnics, WarheadMachines & technologies: aerospaceLegal and policy statementsU.S. citizenship (required); ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance if needed — selected candidates may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified informationOur client is a drug-free workplace; new hires are subject to pre-employment drug testing.Our client is an equal opportunity employer — all qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.