Senior Energetics Development Scientist

Ohr•Lafayette, CO

2d•$155,000 - $205,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ohr is seeking a Senior Energetics Development Scientist to own energetics chemistry from bench through pilot scale and serve as the technical anchor for the energetics vertical. The role focuses on developing a chlorine-free, continuous route to TATB and related insensitive high explosives, replacing a legacy process that depends on a foreign-sourced chlorinated precursor and can leave chloride in the finished material. The program aims to progress from a characterized 1 kg sample in early 2027 to a validated 10 kg/day pilot plant in 2029. The position reports to the Director of Synthetic Chemistry. The scientist will lead reaction and route development, experimental design, process safety and scale-up, and analytical characterization. The work includes translating batch exothermic and corrosive chemistry into continuous-flow processes, controlling crystal size and morphology, supporting crystallization, milling, and polymer-bonded explosive formulation, and carrying chemistry through engineering reviews and pilot production. The role also includes technical documentation, energetics assessment, and IP landscaping. This is an onsite position in the Denver–Boulder Metro Area (Lafayette, Colorado), working five days per week in a collaborative R&D environment and hands-on in HazMat and energetics laboratories. Travel is described as up to roughly 10% in the work-environment section and up to 15% in the compensation section. Candidates must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility criteria and be eligible to serve as an employee possessor of explosive materials.

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 the chemistry of insensitive high explosives 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, including 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 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

Polymer-bonded explosives formulation and casting experience.
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 conducted 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 scale into the pilot skid.
Lead analytical assessment using DSC, TGA, XRD, and SEM, alongside NMR, FTIR, and quality and impurity testing.
Support process development for crystallization and milling, and formulation into polymer-bonded explosives, including qualification work against PBXN-7, PBXN-12, PBX-9502, and LX-17.
Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions for energetics synthesis.
Carry the chemistry into the engineering sequence, including design reviews, HAZOP closure, safety-loop verification, and progression from bench batches to sustained pilot production.
Act as subject matter expert on energetics assessment and IP landscaping.
Uphold and exemplify excellence in laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and responsible research practice.