Senior Materials Engineer, Solid Rocket Motors

We are looking for a skilled and motivated materials engineer to support analysis of solid rocket motor production components, energetics, and manufacturing systems. The ideal candidate will have experience with materials characterization instrumentation, polymer or viscoelastic materials analysis, and a strong commitment to safety and quality. This role involves ownership, setup, operation, and maintenance of analytical equipment designated for propellant characterization. This position will be trained in the manufacture and handling of explosives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work cohesively with the solid rocket motor propellant development and analysis team to meet data collection and analysis request timelines.
• Operate and calibrate analytical and testing instrumentation: develop analytical procedures, calibration curves, failure envelopes, test standards, and analytical results databases.
• Assist with manufacture of energetic and inert articles for analysis, maintain chemical inventories, and equipment procurement.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures for working with energetic materials, including proper handling, storage, and disposal.
• Participate in safety briefings and training sessions to stay updated on best practices and safety regulations.
• Present data analysis and results discussions/meetings. Understand processes to point to key findings, anomalies or issues and that may impact development efforts.
• Develop novel analytical methods to supplement both internal research and development methods and quality control requirements.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience:  5 years of experience working as a materials engineer, chemical engineer, or chemist, performing structured analytical work e.g., method development, data collection, data analysis, quality control. 
• General understanding of energetic or high energy density materials, general knowledge of polymer chemistry, and propellant formulation.
• Experience with laboratory safety protocols for handling hazardous materials.
• Experience working to and authoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Strong laboratory technique and hygiene practices. The ability to think critically. Proficiency with data analysis software, analytical instrumentation software, Microsoft Office suite, and experience presenting analytical results. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience with viscoelastic materials analysis and characterization.
• Analytical chemistry or material characterization certifications.
• Other: Ability to work in a high-pace environment with a focus on safety and precision.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's or higher degree in materials engineering, chemical engineering, or chemistry.
• 5+ years in an analytical data collection role ideally in aerospace or energetics 
• Experience with industry standards for mechanical properties of materials data analysis
• Ability to work in a high-paced environment with a focus on safety and attention to detail

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks related to test setups and equipment handling.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures and conditions, including outdoor and controlled test environments.

Work Environment:

• The position involves working in office, test facilities, and laboratories which may include exposure to hazardous materials and conditions. Strict adherence to safety protocols and procedures is mandatory.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $105,000 - $140,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.

Classification: Full-time Exempt