Chemical Engineer

Hornady•Grand Island, NE

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemical Engineer at Hornady Manufacturing is a skilled, safety-conscious member of the ammunition manufacturing team. The role develops, scales up, and optimizes energetic systems and propellants used in ammunition and armaments, bridging laboratory-scale chemical development with safe, high-volume industrial production while following environmental and military safety protocols. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and involves work across an office, ballistics lab, shooting range, and ammunition and primer production floor. It requires working near hazardous materials, continuous use of specialized personal protective equipment, and strict adherence to explosive safety quantity-distance (ESQD) standards.

Requirements

Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and chemical reaction engineering.
Proficiency with process simulation tools and CAD software.
Experience with automated control systems, including SCADA/DCS, in hazardous environments.
Practical understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DoE).
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and develop solutions.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with strict adherence to safety checklists and documentation.
Knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainability practices in chemical engineering.
Ability to troubleshoot real-time plant-floor process variances.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

Two to five or more years of experience in chemical process engineering.
Direct experience with energetic materials, explosives, propellants, aerospace chemicals, or defense manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Research, design, and optimize chemical manufacturing processes to transition novel energetic materials from research and development to full-scale ammunition production.
Improve existing products and production methods.
Safely integrate components into finished products such as cartridges, primers, and shell casings.
Establish, monitor, and enforce safety protocols for handling hazardous and explosive compounds.
Ensure plant operations comply with Department of Defense, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
Design experiments and test series to analyze the stability, burn rates, and performance of propellants and primers.
Select, install, and operate specialized testing equipment and instrumentation.
Troubleshoot manufacturing anomalies, minimize material waste, and improve loading and assembly efficiency.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, compliance, executive administration, and research and development teams to achieve project goals.
Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations communicating findings and recommendations.
Plan plant layouts and design prototype mechanical or fluid systems for safely transporting and mixing chemical compounds.
Stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and chemical engineering best practices related to ammunition manufacturing.