Research Scientist

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

4x10 work week (Mon-Thu)

Generous PTO & Holidays

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc. is seeking a Scientist in its Mesa, AZ facility to lead propellant and liner projects within the Research Department. You will supervise formulation, raw material testing, lab-scale mixing, and data analysis to support production programs.

You will report to the Propellant, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Supervisor and collaborate with program teams to deliver safe, compliant, and optimized propellant solutions for defense applications.

Qualifications

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with lab instruments for energetic materials testing.
• Working knowledge of energetic materials regulations and safe handling/measurement.
• Ability to communicate well with cross-functional teams.
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills for multi-project management.
• Must wear safety equipment such as respirators or SCBA.
• Ability to exert up to 50 lbs of force during normal work.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain ATF Processor license.

Responsibilities

• Apply chemical principles to analyze experiments on propellants, pyrotechnics, and explosives.
• Develop/modify formulas, processes, and techniques to manufacture propellant.
• Develop methods and analyses to understand chemical, physical, mechanical, ballistic, and hazard properties.
• Establish optimal trade-offs of propellant properties by composition changes.
• Serve as principal investigator to resolve production issues.
• Follow lab safety practices and procedures.
• Coordinate and schedule support for other departments.
• Present progress and results to internal/external customers.
• Prepare technical reports detailing work progression.
• Provide estimates for labor, equipment and materials for lab work.
• Assign/delegate work to technicians and junior chemists.
• Provide training for chemical weigh-out, propellant mixing, testing.
• Review results from other scientists/technicians.
• Perform SPC charting and predictive modeling for propellant trends.
• Adhere to safety policies; maintain safe working environment.

Skills

MS Office

Lab instruments

Energetic materials regulations

Cross-functional communication

Strong work ethic

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

ATF Processor license

Physical strength (50 lbs)

Job description

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc., a defense contractor, is the primary USA operation of the Nammo Group (Nammo AS). Nammo Defense Systems Inc. (NDS) develops, manufactures, and supports Shoulder Launched Munitions (SLMs), energetic material solutions such as aircraft emergency escape systems, actuation devices, rocket motors, warheads, and composite solutions including carbon fiber tubes and composite aerospace structures.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Scientist within the Research Department team will serve as a subject matter expert for various production composite propellants and liners. The individual will conduct and supervise projects involving formulating, raw ingredient testing, lab scale mixing, batch size scale up, propellant property testing, and data reduction/analysis. The position will report to and take direction from the Propellant, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Supervisor but will also work closely with the cross-functional program teams to support production programs.

How you will be rewarded as our Scientist:

• Competitive compensation
• Monday-Thursday work week working four 10-hour days (off on Fridays)
• Generous paid time off and Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(K), employee assistance programs, health savings account

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply chemical principles to safely analyze and conduct experiments on propellants, pyrotechnics, and/or explosives to meet program requirements or to make production improvements.
• Develop and/or modify formulas, processes, procedures, and techniques to manufacture propellant.
• Develop methods and analyzes and to create tests compositions to understand and modify chemical, physical, mechanical, ballistic, and hazard properties.
• Establish optimal trade-off of propellant properties by modifying composition to achieve objectives.
• Serve as a principal investigator to resolve propellant production issues.
• Follow standard laboratory practices and safety procedures.
• Coordinate and schedule support work for other departments.
• Make oral presentations outlining/summarizing progress on selected projects and programs to both internal and external customers.
• Prepare technical reports detailing work progression and results.
• Provide labor, equipment, and material estimates for laboratory work required to support production projects.
• Assign/delegate work to technicians and junior chemists.
• Provide training to technicians to perform chemical weigh out, small scale propellant mixing, laboratory testing, mechanical property testing, and burn rate testing.
• Review results of experiments and analyses performed by other scientists or technicians.
• Perform Statistical Process Control charting and predictive modelling to identify propellant performance and/or property trends.
• Follow standard practices and safety procedures.
• Strictly adhere to all safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.

LEVEL OF DECISION MAKING

This position requires daily autonomous decision-making capabilities when working with both internal and external customers.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Experience with various lab instruments for analysis and testing of energetic materials.
• Working knowledge of energetic material regulations and safe handling/measurement.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate well with the cross-functional NDS Mesa Team.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be well organized to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be able to wear safety equipment such as respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Must have the ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force in the course of normal work.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain ATF Processor license.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Leadership or teamwork abilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Full-time on-site position.
• This position may require travel on an as-needed basis
• This position may require working in diverse settings and conditions.

Note: Due to US Export Control laws and regulations; applicants selected for employment must show proof of a U.S. Person status before employment may begin.