Chemical Engineer, Energetics; Solid Propellants & Explosives

Principal Energetic Materials Chemist (Solid Propellants & Explosives)

Join to apply for the Principal Energetic Materials Chemist (Solid Propellants & Explosives) role at Wild West Systems, Inc.

Wild West Systems is a defense technology startup redefining autonomous edge defense through modular, AI-powered weapon systems‑designed, built, and launched in the USA. We’re arming the future warfighter with precision, affordability, and swagger. If you’re ready to embrace the grit and chaos of cutting‑edge defense innovation, welcome to the frontier.

As our Energetics SME, you’ll be driving development, testing, integration and productization of rocket solid propellants, destructive devices, warheads, fuses, ignition device, and related components. You’ll also own the certification and qualification requirements as needed to comply with related regulations, MIL‑SPECs, and so on. There’s no “that’s not my job” here — only “let’s get it done.” Your work directly arms the warfighter, and that’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.

• Materials and process:
  Work with Propulsion Engineering team to develop solid propellant recipes, processing procedures, documentation, productization and automation for efficiency and scale.
• Energetics:
  Develop incendiary and explosive payloads for various delivery devices and intended impact, with varying levels of lethality.
• Compliance:
  Understand the regulatory landscape and guide engineering team to ensure products meet all necessary criteria and pass any required certification and qualifications.
• DFM & engineering collaboration:
  Provide feedback to improve manufacturability and support engineers in rapid design iterations.
• Procurement:
  Identify, source, and purchase materials to keep the production engine running.
• Testing support:
  Assist with live‑fire test setups and operations at our Texas proving grounds.
• Ownership & rapid adaptation:
  Jump into whatever needs doing‑day‑to‑day can look different by hour.
• Documentation & continuous improvement:
  Catalog key processes, promote safety, and drive improvements.

• Solid hands‑on experience with solid rocket propellant development, characterization, and mass production.
• Hands‑on experience with full‑cycle development of energetic devices from concept, through testing, qualification, and mass production.
• Deep familiarity with regulatory landscape around producing, handling, and commercializing energetic devices.
• Problem‑solving mindset; comfort working independently in high‑stakes environments.
• U.S. citizenship or ITAR‑compliant status (green card, refugee/asylee, or eligible for required export authorization).
• Thirst for ownership, bias for action, and ability to roll with fast‑moving priorities.
• Fierce American pride and dedication to the mission.

• Track record in startup environments or small‑team, high‑impact roles.

• A high‑velocity, mission‑driven culture that thrives on grit, ingenuity, and disruption.
• The chance to architect‑literally build‑the future of autonomous drone defense.
• Clear impact: your work goes from bench to battlefield, quickly.
• A tight‑knit team that’s rewriting the rules of engagement for a new era in warfare.

Salary: $120,000 - $200,000 per year.