R&D Formulation Chemist

Job Description Do you want to make explosives safer for our soldiers? Do you thrive in developing new molecules and seeing that effort transitioned to commercialized products?

BAE Systems, one of the world's largest defense contractors, is hiring an R&D Formulation Chemist to help us develop, test, and bring to market new energetic materials. Our innovative and diverse group invented and commercialized IMX-101 and IMX-104, safer alternatives to TNT and Comp B. Our growing team of scientists from all across the country work closely together in our research facility surrounded by a nature preserve in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee.

We are seeking a detail oriented, highly organized individual to be responsible for developing and implementing explosive research programs to support product development efforts and provide technical support in the area of chemical formulation, processing of energetic materials, and process safety. The successful candidate will, under their own initiative:

• Devise safe, effective, and efficient methods of formulating chemicals including high explosives to support R&D
• Undertake experiments using corrosive, explosive, and toxic materials in a safe manner
• Specify lab equipment in support of formulation experiments and lab scale process development
• Provide chemical support to chemical engineers, process engineers, and environmental and safety staff
• Provide technical assessments to senior leadership with recommendations for future research and development.
• Keep abreast of the latest research in energetic materials through literature reviews and technical conferences
• Meet Contract R&D, CRAD and Internal R&D, IRAD project timelines and budgets
• Meet Production project timelines and budgets
• Mentorship of technical staff to include Formulation and/or Analytical personnel
• Work with technical staff and production supervision on troubleshooting facilities and/or production issues

BAE Systems helps protect those who protect us. At our R&D and manufacturing facility at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, TN, we do this by developing safer explosives for our government and commercial customers. Holston AAP has provided high quality explosives for our soldiers since WWII and will continue to push the frontier of energetic material synthesis and manufacturing with your help.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, engineering, or related field, plus 8+ years of relevant industry experience or equivalent combination of experience and advanced degree
• Good understanding of the principles of bench chemistry and excellent communication skills
• Able to effectively work in a dynamic team environment while also being able to work independently
• May consider candidates with additional experience for a more senior role

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering
• 16+ years of experience with energetic materials
• Experience in the development and scale-up of new molecules, formulations, or analysis techniques
• MBA or similar business degree with project management experience
• Experience with large scale production and production support #LI-Onsite #LI-JR1

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $108787 - $184937

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.