Senior Energetics Development Scientist

Ohr•Lafayette, CO

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Ohr is seeking a Senior Energetics Development Scientist to own energetics chemistry from bench development through pilot production and serve as the technical anchor for its energetics vertical. The program develops a chlorine-free, continuously operated route to TATB using an internally produced precursor, avoiding the foreign-sourced chlorinated precursor and chloride-related corrosion risks associated with the legacy route. The stated program milestones are a 1 kg characterized sample in early 2027 and a validated 10 kg/day pilot plant in 2029. The role reports to the Director of Synthetic Chemistry. The scientist will guide reaction design, pathway selection, experimental design, data quality, process safety and scale-ready development for TATB and related insensitive high explosives. The role includes directing work at partner laboratories, building the kinetic and thermodynamic dataset for pilot design, converting batch reactions to continuous flow, controlling crystal size and morphology, and supporting crystallization, milling and polymer-bonded explosive formulation and qualification. The position is onsite five days per week in a collaborative R&D environment, with hands-on work in HazMat and energetics laboratories using flammable, corrosive and other hazardous materials. Travel is described as up to roughly 10% in the work-arrangements section and up to 15% in the compensation section. Relocation assistance is provided. Candidates must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements and be eligible to serve as an employee possessor of explosive materials under federal law. The annual base salary range is $155,000–$205,000, plus equity; final compensation depends on skills, experience and qualifications.

Requirements

PhD in organic chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science and at least 5 years of post-graduate experience focused on energetic material synthesis and handling; alternatively, a BS in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science and at least 10 years of such experience.
Deep understanding of insensitive high-explosive chemistry and a proven track record in nitro-group chemistry and amination processes.
Familiarity with energetic-material sensitivity, thermal stability and compatibility considerations.
Hands-on experience converting batch reactions to flow or continuous processes.
Experience working with international technical teams or external partners and directing work that the candidate does not personally execute.
Ability to manage ITAR- and export-controlled information.
Process-safety and risk-management judgment, strong documentation habits and comfort working in high-hazard manufacturing environments.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).
Must be eligible to serve as an employee possessor of explosive materials under federal law and not be a prohibited person as defined under 18 U.S.C. § 842(i).

Nice To Haves

Experience with polymer-bonded explosives formulation and casting.
Familiarity with DoW explosive safety standards, such as DoW 4145.26, and MIL specifications.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
Experience with continuous crystallization and particle engineering.
Operating experience inside an ATF-licensed facility, including magazine and quantity-distance practice.
Scale-up from bench through pilot on a program with government milestones.

Responsibilities

Own reaction design, data quality and technical progression for TATB and related insensitive high explosives, from route selection through scale-ready development.
Direct design of experiments to downselect the production pathway, including work carried out at partner laboratories, and own the kinetic and thermodynamic dataset used as the pilot design basis.
Convert conventional batch exothermic and corrosive steps into continuous-flow systems that do not accumulate hazardous intermediate above the design inventory limit.
Demonstrate control of crystal size and morphology across at least two target specifications and carry that control from bench development into the pilot skid.
Lead analytical assessment using DSC, TGA, XRD, SEM, NMR and FTIR, as well as quality and impurity testing.
Support process development for crystallization and milling, and formulation into polymer-bonded explosives, including qualification against PBXN-7, PBXN-12, PBX-9502 and LX-17 systems.
Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs and work instructions for energetics synthesis.
Carry chemistry into the engineering sequence through design reviews, HAZOP closure, safety-loop verification and progression from bench batches to sustained pilot production.
Act as a subject matter expert on energetics assessment and IP landscaping.
Uphold and exemplify excellence in laboratory safety, chemical hygiene and responsible research practice.