Senior Chemist 1 (5-7 years of experience)

ARA; Indian Head (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Chemist, where you'll lead innovative projects in the modernization of explosives and energetic materials production. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and federal stakeholders, ensuring the safe and efficient execution of production capabilities. With a strong emphasis on analytical techniques and creative problem-solving, you'll help shape the future of energetic materials in defense applications. If you're passionate about chemistry and eager to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in chemistry or 3-5 years with a Master's degree.
• Strong background in analytical techniques and synthetic pathways.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe and cost-effective execution of production capabilities.
• Develop relationships with clients and ensure project satisfaction.

Skills

Analytical Techniques

Synthetic Scaling

Program Management

Hazard Analysis

Technical Design

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Master's in Chemistry

Tools

TGA

GC-MS

Spectroscopy

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a career Chemist 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. A strong technical background is necessary to provide creative technical solutions while coordinating multiple stakeholders and leading a multidisciplinary technical team. An ideal candidate has experience in analytical techniques, small molecule synthetic scaling from beaker to batch, technical prowess and creative design, knowledge of program management, and hazard analysis, along with significant exposure to pyrotechnics, propellants, combustion reactions, or other high hazard chemical environments. Candidates for this position must be a US citizen residing within the US.

Responsibilities

• Working and partnering with the client organizations, provide leadership and vision for safe and cost-effective execution of production capabilities for energetic materials and related applications (munitions, rockets, warheads, etc.).
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with client representatives and key decision makers and achieve client satisfaction in all areas of performance.
• Quick to learn synthetic pathways for producing energetic materials and their precursors.
• Familiarity with traditional analytical techniques (TGA, GC-MS, various spectroscopies).
• Basic understanding of mass and heat transport in chemical process systems.
• Continuous learning to ensure technical competence.
• Ensure proper execution of the project including planning, scheduling, procurements, per the customer’s requirements.
• In conjunction with the project managers develop, plan, and execute goals and objectives which support the client’s objectives.
• Responsible for the implementation of safety and quality programs by all project staff. Assure business practices align with Contract terms (scope of work).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Chemistry (or equivalent), with 5-7 years of experience, or a Masters with 3-5 years of experience.
• Experience in a wide variety of analytical techniques for monitoring solvated and crystallized synthetic small molecule production.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and prioritization.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear written and oral briefings including the ability to adopt content for specific audiences.
• Support development of test plans, reports, presentations, laboratory safety assessment plans, standard operating procedures, and other support documentation.
• Maintain qualification in chemical, radiation, and laser safety, and explosive handling as mandated by facility procedures and training.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with the production, handling, processing, and design of energetic materials related to defense applications.
• Process engineering and integration knowledge is preferred.
• Knowledge of quality requirements and system qualification.
• Experience managing production modernization projects, including new capabilities design and development.
• Active DOD or DOE security clearance is preferred.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 1,700 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about what the Algorithms, Modeling & Assessments Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)