Senior Chemical Engineer

MD13 - Indian Head
Naval Surface Warfare Center
3767 Strauss Ave #113
Indian Head, MD 20640, USA

MD13 - Indian Head
Naval Surface Warfare Center
3767 Strauss Ave #113
Indian Head, MD 20640, USA

ARA’s team solves problems related to national defense and security. We are actively seeking an eager and experienced Senior Chemical Engineer for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations.

The engineer will assist with start up of large and small Nitramine Grinding Operations. The ideal Senior Chemical Engineer candidate must be eager to learn, embrace a safety-first mindset, and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders.

The duties of this role must be performed entirely onsite within a high-activity environment that features standard industrial/office lighting and ambient noise. Because continuous proximity to the team and operations is an essential function of the position, certain workspace modifications—such as isolating the worker in a quiet, dimly lit, or entirely private office—cannot be accommodated while fulfilling the core responsibilities of this role.

Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be US citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

• Provide leadership for the safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments, in collaboration with federal defense clients.
• Train personnel and problem solve to meet critical capabilities
• Acquire in-depth understanding of design requirements for process and facility design to install new manufacturing processes.
• Apply expertise in analytical techniques to facilitate process development, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Lead development of test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.
• Oversee the proper execution of projects, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
• Collaborate closely with program management counterparts to develop comprehensive plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and subcontractors, clearly communicating design, fabrication, and testing requirements for process equipment.
• In partnership with project managers, develop, plan, and execute goals that align with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Lead regular client facing meetings to updated progress and facilitate technical discussion.
• Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring all project staff adhere to contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirement, and client specific quality and safety standards.
• Produce detailed process design documentation, including process flow diagrams, process narratives, equipment bills of material, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide technical input into facility design, advising on safety standards and regulations for the design and operation of complex manufacturing process facilities.

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related scientific field with 8 - 10 years of related work experience, or a Master's degree with 6 - 8 years of experience.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Proven expertise in a range of analytical and technical skills for the synthesis, monitoring, and scaling of energetic materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple, complex…