Process Engineer, Energetics (Continous Flow HMX)

Critical Materials Group • Ballinger, TX

31d • Onsite

About The Position

Critical Materials Group (CMG) is developing advanced domestic energetic material manufacturing capabilities through implementation of a Continuous Flow HMX production system designed to improve safety, reproducibility, scalability, and manufacturing resilience. The Process Engineer, Energetics serves as the technical execution lead for the HMX Program and is responsible for supporting facility construction, equipment installation, process integration, automation implementation, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities. Working under the direction of the Deputy Head of Programs and in close coordination with the Senior Process Engineer, Energetics (CF RDX), this individual will lead day-to-day engineering activities for the HMX effort while helping establish future CMG manufacturing capabilities. This position is intended to develop future technical leadership within CMG while providing a dedicated engineering focal point for the HMX program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of engineering experience.
• Experience supporting industrial process facilities, manufacturing operations, pilot plants, or production systems.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, startup, or manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical tasks and coordinate stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Experience with energetic materials, explosives, propellants, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or hazardous chemical processes.
• Experience with continuous-flow processing.
• Experience with automation systems, industrial controls, or process instrumentation.
• Experience supporting commissioning or startup activities.
• Familiarity with DDESB requirements and process safety management.
• Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the engineering lead for the Continuous Flow HMX program.
• Support execution of program activities in accordance with approved cost, schedule, and technical baselines.
• Assist in development and maintenance of detailed execution schedules.
• Track technical progress and identify execution risks.
• Support program reviews, milestone demonstrations, and sponsor engagements.
• Coordinate facility construction activities supporting the HMX production capability.
• Support installation and integration of process equipment, instrumentation, and supporting infrastructure.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and facility personnel.
• Participate in construction acceptance and readiness reviews.
• Ensure equipment installations support future production operations.
• Support implementation of externally developed HMX process designs.
• Review process documentation and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in process scale-up, optimization, and operational readiness activities.
• Support process hazard analyses and operating procedure development.
• Work closely with the Senior Process Engineer, Energetics (CF RDX) to capture and apply lessons learned.
• Facilitate process control automation & digital systems development and validation of: Process control strategies, Instrumentation requirements, Data collection systems, Operational dashboards, Process monitoring approaches.
• Support testing and validation of automation systems during commissioning.
• Ensure process requirements are incorporated into controls and automation architecture.
• Support development of commissioning plans and startup procedures.
• Participate in dry runs, integrated system testing, and operational demonstrations.
• Assist in troubleshooting technical issues during startup activities.
• Coordinate startup activities with technicians, automation personnel, and contractors.
• Support development of operational readiness metrics.
• Support development and maintenance of Technical Data Packages (TDPs).
• Maintain configuration-controlled engineering documentation.
• Assist in preparation and review of: PFDs, P&IDs, Equipment specifications, Operating procedures, Maintenance procedures, Commissioning documentation.
• Coordinate with Production and Operations personnel.
• Support development of operating procedures and training materials.
• Participate in technician training and qualification activities.
• Support readiness reviews and turnover planning.
• Ensure operational lessons learned are documented and incorporated into future efforts.
• Support compliance with explosives safety, environmental, and occupational safety requirements.
• Participate in hazard analyses and risk assessments.
• Support development of safe operating procedures.
• Promote strong safety culture throughout project activities.
• Coordinate closely with Operations and Safety personnel.
• Provide technical direction to assigned technicians supporting the HMX effort.
• Coordinate activities with: Automation & Digital Systems, Production, Operations, Safety & Compliance, Contractors and vendors.
• Support mentoring and development of junior technical personnel.
• Contribute to development of CMG engineering standards and best practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level