R&D Project Specialist

Taleo; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 92,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Olin in Independence, MO is seeking a seasoned R&D Project Specialist to bridge lab designs and high-volume production for Army-ready ammunition systems.

You will drive re‑engineering, tooling development, and lifecycle ownership from prototyping to hand-off, partnering with R&D engineers and manufacturing experts to ensure quality and throughput. A 9/80 schedule supports work‑life balance, relocation is available, and U.S. citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant engineering or manufacturing experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen eligible for DoD handling requirements.

Responsibilities

• Re-engineer experimental R&D designs for high-speed production environments.
• Develop manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment specs for precision at scale.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers, ballisticians, and manufacturing experts to solve hurdles.
• Own lifecycle of engineering tasks from prototyping to production hand-off.
• Identify and implement technologies to enhance quality and throughput.
• Lead testing and qualification to meet Army performance standards.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Independent work

Communication

Prioritization

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Title: R&D Project Specialist

Location: Independence, MO

Salary: $92,100 - $138,000 depending on experience level

Schedule: 9/80 schedule

Relocation Available

Focus: We are looking for a high-energy R&D Project Specialist to join our elite team at the forefront of ammunition innovation. This isn't just about desk work; it’s about taking cutting-edge, R&D-scale designs and transforming them into high-speed, steady-state production realities that support the U.S. Army. If you thrive in the space where creative engineering meets industrial scale, this is your opportunity to leave a tangible mark on national defense. As an R&D Specialist, you will be the connective tissue between the visionary designers and our high-volume manufacturing floor. You will lead the transition of next-generation ammunition projects, ensuring that what works in the lab excels in the factory.

R&D Project Specialist - Essential Job Functions:

• Take experimental R&D designs and re-engineer them for high-speed, production environments.
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment specifications to ensure precision at scale.
• Work side-by-side with other R&D engineers, ballisticians, and manufacturing experts to solve complex technical hurdles.
• Own the lifecycle of engineering tasks—from initial prototyping and pilot runs to full-scale production hand-off.
• Identify and implement innovative technologies to enhance quality and throughput.
• Lead testing and qualification efforts to ensure every round meets rigorous Army performance standards.

R&D Project Specialist - Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelors degree* preferred.
• 5+ years relevant experience
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems and machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a high-pressure environment.
• Effectively set priorities, manage high-volume workload, and willingness to be collaborative and support team efforts.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Must possess a valid US driver's license.
• Some travel may be required: less than 5%.

Location-Specific Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense secret security clearance.
• This position requires successful vetting as an Employee Possessor in accordance with U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• This position requires access to ITAR controlled technical data, and as such, employment will be contingent upon the candidate's ability to access ITAR controlled technical data pursuant to an export license approved by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, if required.
• This position requires successful vetting for unescorted access in accordance with U.S. Army and Department of Defense access policies. The US Government does not allow non-US citizens on-site at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Therefore, to be considered in the hiring process, the candidate must be a US citizen.

Strong Careers Grow Here

Olin fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, where you are encouraged to join or lead our Olin People Networks. These voluntary groups connect employees across sites, divisions and functions to strengthen connections, belonging, and community involvement.

Rooted in our corporate values, Olin continues to be the global leader in both ammunition and chemical manufacturing. We invest, recognize, and reward the talents and contributions of our employees, empowering over 8,000 global individuals to make an impact both at work and in surrounding communities.

View a snapshot of our comprehensive benefits package.

Olin does not provide any form of sponsorship. We will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN or who need sponsorship now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Olin is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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