Research Scientist

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc•Mesa, AZ

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Scientist is a subject matter expert on production composite propellants and liners within Nammo Defense Systems’ Research Department. The role conducts and supervises projects involving formulation, raw ingredient testing, laboratory-scale mixing, batch scale-up, propellant property testing, and data reduction and analysis. The scientist supports production programs in close collaboration with cross-functional program teams and reports to the Propellant, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Supervisor. The position involves applying chemical principles to analyze and experiment with propellants, pyrotechnics, and explosives; developing formulas and production processes; resolving production issues; and assessing and optimizing material properties. It also includes coordinating laboratory support, presenting project progress, preparing technical reports, estimating resources, assigning and training technicians, reviewing experimental work, and using statistical process control and predictive modeling. The position requires autonomous daily decision-making and strict adherence to safety policies. This is a full-time, on-site position. The schedule is four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday, with Fridays off. Travel may be required as needed, and work may take place in diverse settings and conditions. Applicants selected for employment must provide proof of U.S. Person status before employment may begin due to U.S. export control laws and regulations.

Requirements

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with laboratory instruments used to analyze and test energetic materials.
Working knowledge of energetic-material regulations and safe handling and measurement.
Ability to work effectively and communicate with the cross-functional NDS Mesa Team.
Strong work ethic and organization, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to wear safety equipment such as respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force in the course of normal work.
Ability to obtain and maintain an ATF Processor license.
Must provide proof of U.S. Person status before employment may begin, due to U.S. export control laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Safely analyze and conduct experiments on propellants, pyrotechnics, and/or explosives to meet program requirements or improve production.
Develop or modify formulas, processes, procedures, and techniques for propellant manufacture.
Develop and analyze methods and test compositions to understand and modify chemical, physical, mechanical, ballistic, and hazard properties.
Modify compositions to establish optimal trade-offs among propellant properties and achieve objectives.
Serve as a principal investigator to resolve propellant production issues.
Follow standard laboratory practices and safety procedures, including all applicable safety policies.
Coordinate and schedule support work for other departments.
Present project and program progress to internal and external customers.
Prepare technical reports documenting work progression and results.
Estimate labor, equipment, and materials required for laboratory work supporting production projects.
Assign and delegate work to technicians and junior chemists.
Train technicians in chemical weigh-out, small-scale propellant mixing, laboratory testing, mechanical property testing, and burn-rate testing.
Review experiments and analyses performed by other scientists or technicians.
Use Statistical Process Control charting and predictive modeling to identify propellant performance or property trends.
Support production programs in collaboration with cross-functional program teams.