Chemist / Staff Principal

Overview

Chemist / Staff Principle

LOCATION: Huntsville, AL. Redstone Arsenal

JOB STATUS: Full-Time

CLEARANCE: Secret

TRAVEL: 5%

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Chemist for the PST , supporting the Army Division . The Chemist supporting the U.S. Army Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) Technology Development Directorate (TDD) Energetic Materials Division (MPE) located on Redstone Arsenal, AL neighboring Huntsville, AL. The Chemist will become a member of highly specialized team in the Energetic Materials Division, supporting the research and development of U.S. Army rocket motors, warheads, and other energetics.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Bachelor of Science Degree in relevant discipline required (i.e. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.).
• 0 to 10 years' experience required.
• Must be capable of becoming certified in the use of a Respirator and in handling Ammunition and Explosives.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants)
• Must pass an initial drug screening and be enrolled in random monthly screening thereafter.
• With proper training, oversight, and safety measures, must be able to work with and around hazardous propellant/explosive/energetic materials.
• With proper training, oversight, and safety measures, must be able to work with and around hazardous propellant/explosive/energetic materials.
• Ability to participate as a team member.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Good interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use Spreadsheet, Word Processor, Database, & Email.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Previous work experience as a propellant chemist highly preferred.
• Previous experience in the research and development of missile/rocket motors in highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of initiation mechanisms in energetic materials highly preferred.
• Hands on experience with propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics highly preferred.
• Experience working directly with government and/or military customers preferred.
• Experience processing propellant/explosive/energetic materials highly preferred.
• Familiarity with formulation of propellant/explosive/energetic materials highly preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Chemist will provide an array of support for the research and development of U.S. Army Energetics, which may include missile propellants, casings, nozzles, and igniters, warheads, and other energetic materials.
• Daily responsibilities include performing precision weighing operations and mixing chemical ingredients.
• Prepare hazardous chemical materials to include weighing, drying, grinding, mixing, casting, and de-tooling/finishing solid rocket motors and transferring and mixing hypergolic liquid and gel propellants.
• Perform propellant mixing, casting, and loading.
• Perform propellant performance testing and analysis.
• Assist with data evaluation, interpretation, and documentation of different types of high performing missile propulsion systems including solid, liquid/gel, and air breathing propulsion systems.
• Learn and utilize high pressure plumbing skills such as installing and replacing valves, piping, and tubing if needed.
• Maintaining MS Excel spreadsheets for parts and inventory ordering; handling and disposing of hazardous materials in support of operations; troubleshooting both electrical and mechanical problems; stocking spare parts, new parts, and maintenance supplies in support of existing and new projects.
• Will listen to and follow directions, learn, and operate while maintaining a safe and organized work area, and communicate effectively in a fluid, multi-tasked, team environment.
• Job duties will include small scale synthesis, chemical analyses using common analytical techniques, carrying out routine safety testing of known and novel energetic materials, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and reporting results through regular oral and written communication with senior scientists and engineers. Assist with database input and management.
• Perform ammunition and explosives inventory.
• May operate graphical user interfaces of software used for collection and analysis of propulsion system performance predictions and test data.
• May perform data evaluation, interpretation, and documentation of different types of systems.
• May use software to analyze test data and make propulsion system performance predictions.
• May design, plan, and perform on a variety of different systems including facilities and structures used for tactical missile propulsion research and development.
• May assist with facilities planning and set up for energetic materials research, development, test, and engineering.
• The job will entail other duties as assigned.