Senior Chemical Engineer

ARA Brand; Indian Head (MD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for the NSWC- IH site in Indian Head, MD. The role focuses on modernization of explosives and energetic materials production, and munitions systems, requiring on-site work and US citizenship with ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance.

The senior engineer will lead process design, safety, and project management across multiple stakeholders, coordinating with vendors and clients to deliver high-quality results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related field; 8–10 years experience, or Master's with 6–8 years.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Proven expertise in synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Experience managing multiple, complex projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Process safety and regulatory compliance experience.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate under high-pressure, dynamic conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for safe, cost-effective manufacturing in complex environments with federal clients.
• Train personnel and problem-solve to meet critical capabilities.
• Acquire understanding of process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
• Apply analytical techniques to support process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Lead development of test plans to validate proof-of-concept designs.
• Oversee project execution with detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement.
• Collaborate with program management to develop plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors on design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
• Lead client meetings to update progress and discuss technical matters.
• Implement safety and quality programs ensuring compliance with standards.
• Produce detailed process design docs including flow diagrams, narratives, BOMs, and SOPs.
• Provide input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Energetic materials

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related field

Master's degree with 6-8 years of experience

Professional Engineer license

Job description

ARA's team solves problems related to national defense and security. We are actively seeking an eager and experienced Senior Chemical Engineer for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. The engineer will assist with start up of large and small Nitramine Grinding Operations. The ideal Senior Chemical Engineer candidate must be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders.

Work Environment Details:

The duties of this role must be performed entirely onsite within a high-activity environment that features standard industrial/office lighting and ambient noise. Because continuous proximity to the team and operations is an essential function of the position, certain workspace modifications - such as isolating the worker in a quiet, dimly lit, or entirely private office - cannot be accommodated while fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.

Employment is contingent upon the successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance, granted by the sponsoring agency.

Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be US citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

As a Senior Chemical Engineer at NSWC-IH, your position will include the following key responsibilities.

• Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.
• Train personnel and problem solve to meet critical capabilities
• Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
• Apply expertise in analytical techniques to facilitate process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Lead development of test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.
• Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
• Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
• In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Lead regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.
• Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

Senior Chemical Engineer Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related scientific field with 8 - 10 years of related work experience, or a Master's degree with 6 - 8 years of experience.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Proven expertise in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex projects, including the integration and coordination of diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills, with a track record of leading and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering teams across multiple project phases.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments, managing rapid changes in program scope, funding, and priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor presentations and reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.

• Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam
• Ability to undergo and pass a drug screening.

Senior Chemical Engineer Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in an engineering or related technical field is preferred.
• Extensive experience in the design, handling, and production of energetic materials for defense applications.
• Deep understanding of process engineering integration, especially within complex production environments for explosives and energetic materials.
• Experience in managing production modernization projects, particularly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities.
• Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly desired.
• Professional Engineer license

Applied Research Associates, Inc. Company Information:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices.

Anticipated Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000