Fine Grind Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert; SME

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers.

The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

ERG is seeking a Fine Grind Manufacturing SME that will provide senior technical direction and subject‑matter expertise to the Safety Office in support of both pre‑startup and post‑startup activities within the fine grind facility at the Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head. This role ensures operational readiness, safety, and compliance while advising engineering, maintenance, and operations teams throughout equipment commissioning, production ramp‑up, and sustained operations.

This position will be located at NSF Indian Head. Indian Head, Maryland, is approximately 30 miles from Washington, D.C.; 25 miles from Alexandria, Virginia; and 60 miles from Fredericksburg, Virginia.

• Review and evaluate startup plans, hazard analyses, and control system Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) documentation to ensure operational readiness and identify risk mitigation requirements
• Conduct facility walkthroughs and equipment readiness evaluations prior to startup, including review of preventive maintenance and test records
• Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), run sheets, and operational documentation for drying, grinding, and maintenance activities
• Support operational startup activities, equipment checkout, and process validation, providing expert technical recommendations
• Identify and analyze process upset conditions and recommend corrective actions to restore safe operations
• Mentor engineering and operations personnel and deliver training to ensure safe operations and transfer of critical corporate knowledge
• Update operator training programs and risk awareness materials to support long‑term operational excellence and continuous improvement

• 20+ years of experience in energetic materials, hazardous chemical processing, fine grinding, dry manufacturing, or related industrial operations
• Extensive background supporting facility startup, commissioning, and high‑hazard production environments
• Strong understanding of hazard analysis methodologies such as FMECA, Operational Risk Management (ORM), and system safety assessments
• Demonstrated experience with drying and grinding operations, maintenance procedures, and process safety controls
• Proven ability to review, develop, and implement SOPs, process documentation, and training materials
• Ability to diagnose process upset conditions and recommend immediate corrective actions to maintain safe operating conditions
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to evaluate engineering documents, maintenance records, and operational reports
• Demonstrated capability in mentoring, coaching, or training engineers, operators, or manufacturing personnel in hazardous operations
• Must currently hold or be able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret‑level security clearance
• Must be a U.S. citizen as this position is not eligible for Limited Access Authorizations

ERG offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, long‑term disability, educational benefits, FSAs, a generous 401(k) plan, profit sharing, an EAP, 11–20 paid vacation days per year, 10 paid holidays per year, 56 hours or more of sick leave (based on the state you work in) per year (pro‑rated for part‑time) and more. The salary range for all positions depends on the years and type of experience.

ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin,…