Principal Propellant Chemist

RTX•Tucson, AZ

8d•$107,500 - $204,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Engineering Department is looking for a propellant chemist with chemical analysis and non-metal materials application experience. This fully on-site position will offer a qualified candidate the opportunity to engage energetic suppliers in assessment of propellant properties, engage subject matter experts within Raytheon and the industry as well as conduct standard chemical laboratory analysis and perform hands-on-testing of materials including adhesives, polymers, tapes, composites, and various other production materials. The role will support all phases of product life cycle (including design, development and production) for a multitude of programs. Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing, mechanical properties, failure analysis, material characterization, development, process improvement and obsolescence. Energetic work is expected to be approximately ¼ to ½ time supporting energetic assessments with the remaining of the time supporting material characterization in our laboratory. Tasks will require careful attention to detail, fundamental scientific and material knowledge, project management skills, chemistry laboratory skills, testing of materials, and documentation of results. Collaboration with engineers, subject matter experts, and suppliers is required. Candidate must be able to manage and coordinate a wide variety of simultaneous tasks within set schedule requirements.

Requirements

Typically requires A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience
Experience in using propellant mixers and standard laboratory equipment (i.e. ovens, thermometers, calipers, and microscope)
Experience in Instrumental Analysis techniques (i.e. FTIR, UV-Vis, DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA, Rheology, GCMS, NMR, ICP-OES, HPLC, GPC, SEM, EDS)
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry
Equivalent MOS: 89D (US Army); 2171 (US Marine Corps), 4B0X1 (US Air Force)
Demonstrated ability to apply analytical chemistry principles to industry applications.
Specific majors: ACS certified Chemistry degree with strong analytical/instrumentation skills
Understanding of Polymer Chemistry
Understanding of Systems Engineering
Understanding of material safety datasheets and Military/Industrial Specifications
Knowledge of data analysis, modeling and simulation, statistics, and various computational techniques for complex multi-variable problems.
Strong communication, interpersonal, planning and time management skills
Demonstrated strong written and verbal scientific communication skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and complete multi-disciplined scientific based projects including failure analysis investigations
Ability to write concise technical reports summarizing analyses
MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities

Support Programs in assessing supplier data from energetic suppliers.
Trouble shoot problems and provide solutions to problems at suppliers. This will require travel at times to energetic suppliers to support root cause corrective action.
Assessing materials based on conformance to specifications.
Conducting hands on testing of materials using a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation at our Tucson Facility
Conducting standard chemical analysis laboratory testing using a verity of instrumentation including: FTIR, SEM-EDS, GC-MS, LC, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA
Method and test plan development
Leading various characterization and design projects
Following standard written protocols and utilizing a variety of databases
Teaming with subject matter experts and management to understand material usage.
Consistent engagement with engineers, subject matter experts and management to provide project status updates
Documentation and communication of results and findings