Propulsion R&D Lead — Solid Propellant Systems

Prometheus Energetics; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Prometheus Energetics in Bloomington, IN seeks an R&D Manager – Solid Propulsion to lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for propellant formulations, liner systems, and insulation, guiding development from lab demos to pilot-scale and into production.

You will drive the R&D roadmap, oversee static fire campaigns, analyze data, ensure DoD/ITAR compliance, and work with program management and customers to meet milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Master's or Ph.D. preferred with concentration in energetic materials, polymer science, or propulsion.
• Minimum of 8+ years in solid rocket motor development or energetic materials in aerospace/defense.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of formulation chemists, materials engineers, and test specialists across propellant, liner, and insulation disciplines.
• Define and execute the R&D roadmap for solid propulsion subsystems and insulation architectures.
• Own transition of motor designs from lab to pilot-scale and full-rate production.
• Direct and support static fire test campaigns and post-fire forensics.
• Interface with program management, QA, and customers on baselines and milestones.
• Drive adoption of advanced process technologies to improve throughput and safety.
• Ensure compliance with DoD 4145.26-M, AS9100, Nadcap, and ITAR/EAR.

Skills

Energetic materials formulation

Rocket motor testing

Technical leadership / management

DoD/ITAR compliance knowledge

Propellant chemistry & processing

Project planning & milestones

Quality systems awareness

Safety & compliance practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Master's or Ph.D. preferred (energetic materials / propulsion)

Job description

Prometheus Energetics in Bloomington, IN seeks an R&D Manager – Solid Propulsion to lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for propellant formulations, liner systems, and insulation, guiding development from lab demos to pilot-scale and into production.

You will drive the R&D roadmap, oversee static fire campaigns, analyze data, ensure DoD/ITAR compliance, and work with program management and customers to meet milestones.