Sr. Energetics Development Scientist

Position Title: Sr. Energetics Development Scientist
Work Location: San Diego, CA, 91910
Assignment Duration: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Onsite, 5 days per week

Position Summary:
At our organization, Scientists sit at the center of invention. This role exists for chemists who are ready to own energetics programs, not just contribute to them—designing reactions and formulations, generating insight, and pushing work forward from discovery through scale-ready development.

Background & Context:
We’re looking for a Sr. Energetics Development Scientist who wants to operate with real autonomy in the lab, guide strategy across programs, and serve as a technical anchor within the energetics product vertical team. You’ll work across discovery, process optimization, and scale-up—turning first-principles chemistry into deployed technology.

Key Responsibilities:
• Design and optimize scalable synthetic routes for energetic materials and related chemical systems.
• Perform energetics reaction development across solvents, catalysts, kinetics, and operating conditions.
• Convert conventional batch exothermic and corrosive reactions novel flow systems.
• Lead analytical assessment of energetics using DSC, TGA, XRD, and SEM, and quality/impurity testing.
• Support process development for crystallization and milling, and formulation of polymer bonded explosives.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions for energetics synthesis
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on energetics assessment and IP landscaping.
• Uphold and exemplify excellence in laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and responsible research practices

Qualification & Experience:
Required qualifications:
• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science and a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience with a focus on energetic material synthesis and handling. OR
• B.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science and a minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience with a focus on energetic material synthesis and handling.
• Deep understanding of the chemistry of insensitive high explosives (IHE).
• Proven track record with nitro-group chemistry and amination processes.
• Familiarity with energetic material sensitivity, thermal stability, and compatibility considerations.
• Hands-on experience converting batch reactions to flow or continuous processes
• Experience working with international technical teams or external partners
• Ability to manage ITAR- and export-controlled information

Nice to have:
• Experience with polymer bonded explosives formulation and casting
• Familiarity with DoW explosive safety standards (e.g., DoW 4145.26, MIL specifications).
• Active Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain one)

Key Competencies:
• Process safety and risk management
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong documentation and regulatory compliance skills
• Ability to work in high-hazard manufacturing environments

Working Conditions & Physical Demands (If Applicable):
• Onsite, 5 days per week, in a fast-moving, highly collaborative R&D environment
• Hands-on HazMat and energetics laboratories with flammable, corrosive, and other hazardous materials
• Up to ~10% travel to support collaborators, partners, or facilities

 

At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's pay range is $150,000.00/Yearly – $200,000.00/Yearly.