Chemical Engineer

Position Purpose:

We are seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer to lead the scale-up of energetic material synthesis from laboratory to production scale. This role focuses on developing robust, safe, and efficient manufacturing processes for specialized energetic compounds. The successful candidate will work closely with research teams to translate laboratory synthesis procedures into scalable production processes while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead scale-up activities for energetic material synthesis from laboratory bench scale to pilot and production scale operations
• Design and optimize chemical processes to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of energetic materials
• Develop detailed process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and standard operating procedures for manufacturing operations
• Conduct process optimization studies to maximize yield, minimize waste, and improve product quality
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement solutions to maintain production efficiency
• Work closely with research chemists to understand synthesis requirements and constraints
• Create P&IDs for multi-step processes and perform process design/safety reviews
• Develop PLC control code
• Model processes using common software like ASPEN
• Perform risk assessments and implement safety measures for scaled production operations
• Safely handle, store, and process chemical materials in accordance with established safety protocols
• Support chemical safety and regulatory compliance activities
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation
• Maintain comprehensive records of process development activities and scale-up studies
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and ensure data integrity and traceability
• Maintain detailed safety documentation and incident reporting

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong foundation in chemical engineering principles including mass transfer, heat transfer, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics
• Working knowledge of several different reactor types and their advantages and disadvantages
• Working knowledge of software platforms used for industrial automation (e.g., twinCAT, Codesys, or LabVIEW)
• Working knowledge of data-driven process optimization and statistical analyses

Education/Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with at least 10 years of experience OR a master’s degree in chemical engineering with at least 5 years of experience OR a Ph.D. in chemical engineering with at least 1 year of experience

Certificates/Licenses:

• None required

Clearance:

• The ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret clearance and Department of Homeland Security Fitness is required for this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervision of the technical activities performed by the more junior staff members assigned to the project is required for this position.

Working Conditions/ Equipment:

The incumbent professional is expected to be present at the work site and/or be available during regular business hours. He/she should also generally be available via e-mail or phone during non-business hours as needed to address critical issues or emergencies.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.