Propellant Chemist I / II

X-Bow Systems•Socorro, NM

About The Position

X-Bow Launch Systems is seeking a Propellant Chemist I or II to support research, development, and characterization of solid rocket propellants at its Socorro, New Mexico facility. The chemist will work with a multidisciplinary team of chemists and engineers to develop and evaluate propellant formulations, characterize material properties, optimize processing methods, and support the transition of new technologies from laboratory development to manufacturing. The position level (Chemist I or II) will be determined by education, relevant experience, and demonstrated technical capabilities. X-Bow offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement. The company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Requirements

For Propellant Chemist I: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
For Propellant Chemist I: 0–2 years of relevant laboratory or research experience, including academic research or internships.
For Propellant Chemist I: Fundamental understanding of chemistry, chemical reactions, and material properties.
For Propellant Chemist I: Ability to conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and document results.
For Propellant Chemist II: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
For Propellant Chemist II: Minimum 2 years of relevant technical experience.
For Propellant Chemist II: Hands-on experience with energetic materials, including formulation development, processing, testing, or characterization.
For Propellant Chemist II: Ability to independently execute experiments, troubleshoot laboratory processes, and interpret technical results.

Nice To Haves

Experience with solid rocket propellants, energetic formulations, polymer chemistry, or composite materials.
Knowledge of propellant ingredients, polymeric binder systems, curing chemistry, and material compatibility.
Experience with DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheology, ballistics, and mechanical property characterization.
Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and experimental optimization.
Experience with laboratory-scale propellant mixing, casting, curing, or process development.
Understanding of propellant mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and aging characteristics.
Familiarity with energetic-materials safety requirements and applicable DoD standards.
Experience preparing technical reports, laboratory procedures, and development documentation.

Responsibilities

Develop, prepare, and evaluate laboratory-scale solid rocket propellant formulations.
Conduct experiments to investigate formulation performance, material compatibility, curing behavior, and mechanical properties.
Perform material characterization using techniques such as DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheology, and mechanical testing.
Analyze experimental data, identify trends, and recommend formulation or process improvements.
Support experimental design, test planning, and technical investigations.
Assist in transitioning propellant formulations from laboratory-scale development to pilot-scale processing.
Prepare technical reports, laboratory procedures, and experimental documentation.
Follow established energetic-materials safety procedures and participate in laboratory hazard assessments.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges and advance development objectives.