Vice President, Research & Development (IRAD)
About The Position
Supply Energetics is a U.S. manufacturing and technology company advancing the future of energetics and weapons systems. We combine precision engineering with modern production methods to deliver reliable, high-quality energetics for both commercial and defense partners. We are seeking a high-trajectory technical leader to serve as our Vice President of Research & Development (IRAD). This is a role for a dynamic scientist-entrepreneur who is ready to own the strategic direction of our technical workstreams and bridge the gap between breakthrough research and scalable manufacturing. We are looking for an ambitious Principal Investigator (PI) who is currently "in the arena"-someone who has a recent, proven track record of winning and executing programs for DARPA, SERDP, or the DoD. This role is ideal for a rising star in the defense innovation ecosystem who possesses the technical depth to lead a lab and the professional hunger to scale a company from the ground up.
Requirements
- PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with a focus on modern, applied research.
- You have recently led (or played a primary role in) successful proposals for DARPA, SERDP, or similar high-stakes federal programs.
- Deep familiarity with current advanced manufacturing architectures and the "new" defense industrial base.
- Ability to meet compliance requirements for defense-related work.
- A bias toward action and the ability to pivot quickly in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a high-growth startup or a "skunkworks" division of a larger firm.
- A desire to disrupt legacy manufacturing mindsets with modern, efficient R&D processes.
- The ability to see where the defense industrial base is going, not just where it has been.
Responsibilities
- Lead Supply Energetics’ engagement with Congress, the Department of Defense, and relevant federal agencies.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities across defense programs, including appropriations, authorizations, and innovation pathways.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key committees, congressional offices, and defense leadership.
- Track and influence policy developments related to the energetics industrial base, munitions production, and defense supply chains.
- Support strategy for engagement with programs such as APFIT, OSD R&E, and other defense innovation and industrial base initiatives.
- Coordinate with internal leadership to align policy engagement with company strategy and manufacturing scale-up.
- Represent Supply Energetics in industry groups, policy discussions, and national security forums.
- Contribute to a culture that values pride in workmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement
Benefits
- Competitive pay with performance bonuses
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- AD&D and life insurance
- Generous paid time off, including parental leave
- Learning stipends and opportunities for career growth
- A safety-first workplace built on rigorous standards and a culture of care
- A culture built on craftsmanship, innovation, and teamwork
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
