Sr Propellant Chemist

Description :-

Responsible for supporting the development and fielding of automotive airbag propellant. This can include propellant formulation, characterization, process development, and supplier development. The position will also serve as a source of general chemical expertise.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Develops new or improvements of propellant and energetic materials used in automotive airbag applications.
• Formulates propellants (fuel, oxidizer, binder, etc.) based on the applications requirements (gas output, flame temperature, autoignition temperature, or other feature) and the supply base manufacturing capabilities.
• Performs trade studies and preliminary analyses of gas generating materials in support of inflator development.
• Works with suppliers to develop the appropriate analytical and acceptance procedures, specifications, and test methods.
• Develops procedures, specifications, methods, and test plans (analytical, hazards, compatibility, etc.) in support of material validations and discrepancy analyses.
• Conducts material testing and provides training to technicians and suppliers. Performs data analysis and documents findings.
• Resolves issues involving the current production and developmental energetic materials and propellants such as pressed propellants, autoignition materials and extruded propellants.
• Supervises development efforts conducted by the company's gas generant suppliers.
• Creates development plans, statements of work (SOW), and designs of experiments (DOE).
• Reviews government and university literature, patents and current relevant practices and provides recommendations on applications and development activities.
• Participates in decision making regarding development priorities and provides information on feasibility of prospective projects. Provides recommendation on the handling, storage, and shipping of energetic materials.
• Conducts benchmarking efforts on competitors' products.
• Supports and maintains corporate chemical information for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other similar documents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:-

• Degree in chemistry or a related field with a minimum of thirteen (13) years' experience in propellant/energetics chemistry with bachelor's degree, ten (10) years' experience with master's, or seven (7) years' experience with a PhD.
• Experience analyzing data based on statistical methods and a strong working knowledge of experimental analytical methods required.
• An Ideal candidate will have experience working with manufacturing groups from paper concept to production (raw material suppliers, propellant manufacturers, and applications).