Principal Propellant Chemist

Date Posted:

Country: United States of America

Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

The Materials Engineering Department (NE-SW), which functions within the Mechanical Products Team, is looking for a propellant chemist with chemical analysis and non-metal materials application experience to join our team in Tucson Arizona. This fully on-site position will offer a qualified candidate the opportunity to engage our energetic suppliers in assessment of propellant properties, engage subject matter experts within Raytheon and the industry as well as conduct standard chemical laboratory analysis and perform hands‑on testing of materials including adhesives, polymers, tapes, composites, and various other production materials.

The role will support all phases of product life cycle (including design, development and production) for a multitude of programs. Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing, mechanical properties, failure analysis, material characterization, development, process improvement and obsolescence. Energetic work is expected to be approximately ¼ to ½ time supporting energetic assessments with the remaining of the time supporting material characterization in our laboratory.

Tasks will require careful attention to detail, fundamental scientific and material knowledge, project management skills, chemistry laboratory skills, testing of materials, and documentation of results. Collaboration with engineers, subject matter experts, and suppliers is required. Candidate must be able to manage and coordinate a wide variety of simultaneous tasks within set schedule requirements.

• Support Programs in assessing supplier data from energetic suppliers. Troubleshoot problems and provide solutions to problems s will require travel at times to energetic suppliers to support root‑cause corrective action.
• Assess materials based on conformance to specifications.
• Conduct hands‑on testing of materials using a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation at our Tucson Facility.
• Conduct standard chemical analysis laboratory testing using a variety of instrumentation including FTIR, SEM‑EDS, GC‑MS, LC, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA.
• Method and test plan development.
• Lead various characterization and design projects.
• Follow standard written protocols and utilize a variety of databases.
• Team with subject matter experts and management to understand material usage.
• Consistently engage with engineers, subject matter experts and management to provide project status updates.
• Document and communicate results and findings.

• Typically requires a university degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience.
• Experience in using propellant mixers and standard laboratory equipment (i.e., ovens, thermometers, calipers, and microscope).
• Experience in instrumental analysis techniques (i.e., FTIR, UV‑Vis, DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA, rheology, GC‑MS, NMR, ICP‑OES, HPLC, GPC, SEM, EDS).

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
• Equivalent MOS: 89D (US Army); 2171 (US Marine Corps), 4B0X1 (US Air Force).
• Demonstrated ability to apply analytical chemistry principles to industry applications.
• Spec…