Research Scientist

Nammo Defense Systems Inc.; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

4x10 work week

Paid time off

Medical/Dental/ Vision

401(k)

Job summary

Nammo Defense Systems Inc. in Mesa, AZ, is seeking a Scientist for the Research Department to serve as SME for production composite propellants and liners.

You will oversee formulating, raw ingredient testing, lab-scale mixing, batch scale-up, propellant property testing, and data analysis, reporting to the Propellant, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Supervisor. The role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams, safety compliance, and preparing technical reports.

Qualifications

• Experience formulating and testing energetic materials.
• Ability to supervise lab-scale mixing and scale-up.
• Strong data reduction and statistical analysis skills.
• Excellent communication with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Apply chemical principles to analyze propellants and explosives to meet program requirements.
• Develop and modify formulas, processes, procedures, and techniques to manufacture propellant.
• Develop methods and analyses to create tests for properties.
• Establish optimal trade-offs of propellant properties by adjusting composition.
• Serve as a principal investigator to resolve production issues.
• Follow safety procedures and coordinate support work for other departments.
• Prepare technical reports detailing progress and results.
• Provide training to technicians for propellant mixing and testing.

Skills

Propellant testing

Lab leadership

Data analysis

Safety compliance

ATF license

Communication

MS Office

Program coordination

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

• 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 be able 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.