Senior Research Chemist – Pyrotechnics & Materials R&D

Armtec Defense Technologies; Camden (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Armtec Defense Technologies in East Camden, AR is seeking a Sr. Research Chemist to lead the design, testing and development of next‑generation pyrotechnic materials and related products.

You will test chemical properties, mentor staff, and support production scale‑up while ensuring safety and compliance. The role requires hands‑on analytical chemistry experience, the ability to solve complex problems, and strong collaboration with engineering and production teams.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry or closely related field
• Minimum 5 years experience in a manufacturing facility
• Experience with energetic or similar hazardous materials
• Understanding of DoD quality requirements and ISO standards. Experience of measurement systems analysis and process variation reduction.
• Initiative to work effectively with little direction and/or few guidelines and document work effectively
• Proven ability to work effectively as an individual or with a team and with R&D and production personnel utilizing all available resources
• U.S citizenship or Permanent Resident Alien Status required
• Good communication skills; both written and oral
• Ability to write detailed procedures/reports as required

Responsibilities

• Works with Manager of R&D to develop solutions to technology gaps.
• Mentors Junior level chemists and lab technicians.
• Investigates and tests legacy and new materials.
• Identify and specify analytical instruments required to support ongoing research programs.
• Initiates, leads and participates in continuous improvement efforts for legacy and new products and processes.
• Documents and maintains records or work regarding tests performed, procedures and reports.
• Contribute to defining credible research and development ideas to explore, evaluate, pursue and support the implementation of business-growth strategies.
• Provide technical support to design engineers for scale-up and/or prototyping of potential new products.
• Organize and safely manage a laboratory workspace.
• Writes procedures and instructions for the fabrication of new or developing projects.
• Assists in evaluating proposed process changes and their impact on quality, safety and productivity prior to implementation.
• Organizes and analyzes laboratory data, report data and data interpretation through written and oral presentations.
• Special projects as assigned.
• Takes initiative to find and solve process and product problems.
• Ability to analyze test data and apply sound judgment to reach a logical conclusion.
• Presents a professional face of the ARO Engineering group to internal and external customers.

Skills

Proven problem solving ability

Good communication skills

Ability to write procedures/reports

Initiative with minimal direction

Team collaboration

Education

BS degree in Chemistry

Job description

Armtec Defense Technologies in East Camden, AR is seeking a Sr. Research Chemist to lead the design, testing and development of next‑generation pyrotechnic materials and related products.

You will test chemical properties, mentor staff, and support production scale‑up while ensuring safety and compliance. The role requires hands‑on analytical chemistry experience, the ability to solve complex problems, and strong collaboration with engineering and production teams.