Sr. Chemist

POSITION SUMMARY:

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 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops new or improvements of propellant and energetic materials used in automotive airbag applications.

2. 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. 

3. Performs trade studies and preliminary analyses of gas generating materials in support of inflator development.

4. Works with suppliers to develop the appropriate analytical and acceptance procedures, specifications, and test methods.

5. Develops procedures, specifications, methods, and test plans (analytical, hazards, compatibility, etc.) in support of material validations and discrepancy analyses.

6. Conducts material testing and provides training to technicians and suppliers.  Performs data analysis and documents findings.

7. Resolves issues involving the current production and developmental energetic materials and propellants such as pressed propellants, autoignition materials and extruded propellants.

8. Supervises development efforts conducted by the company’s gas generant suppliers.

9. Creates development plans, statements of work (SOW), and designs of experiments (DOE). 

10. Reviews government and university literature, patents and current relevant practices and provides recommendations on applications and development activities. 

11. 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.

12. Conducts benchmarking efforts on competitors’ products.

13. Supports and maintains corporate chemical information for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other similar documents.

14. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM 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).

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties will be performed in a combination office/shop environment.  Employee may be exposed to environmental/controlled air conditions, and mechanical, electrical, or chemical processes requiring the use of protective equipment.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to work weekends, holidays, be on call, and travel overnight on occasion.

These are considered essential duties and are illustrative of those job tasks that are fundamental.  Employees may be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.