­Job Posting: Jr. Chemist
Company: X-Bow Systems
Location: Socorro, NM (Must be located or willing to move to Socorro, New Mexico.)
Position Type: Full-Time

About Us: X-Bow Systems is a cutting-edge aerospace technology company focused on revolutionizing propulsion systems for space exploration and defense applications. Our team of innovative engineers and scientists is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rocket propulsion. As we continue to expand our operations, we are seeking a talented and driven Jr. Chemist to join our team.

As a Propellant Chemist at X-Bow, you'll be on-hands with the development of solid rocket motor propellant formulations, hazards abatement, performance optimization, raw materials selection and characterization, combined with quality control and quality assurance of product intermediates and product transition to internal and external customers. You will interact with juniors and seniors alike in the field of chemical manufacturing of energetic materials, and participate in selection, optimization, and characterization of novel materials and methods in support of key programs for national defense and exploration of space. In addition to these opportunities, typical responsibilities for this position include:

• Fast-paced Small-team chemistry support in an R&D lab, for pre-production, limited-rate production, and process development.
  • On-hands chemistry for materials blending, testing, involving thermoset cure, with small-scale mix of propellant formulations a fundamental part of routine lab activity.
  • Procedure writeups and data reporting for tasks that include analytical chemistry routines (moisture analysis, density, FTIR, viscosity, particle size distributions), mechanical properties of cured composite propellant samples (both energetic and inert simulants)
  • Demonstrate leadership and growth potential to achieve greater levels of responsibility, for independent research, papers/publications, proposals, new company capabilities.
  • Track record of team interaction, successfully achieving goals within budget and time constraints
• Engineering interaction
  • Support the internal engineering customer with results and conclusions from your chemical tasks, analysis, and findings,
  • Create and update process plans/procedures in a team environment, participate in hazards and risk analysis, job safety requirements, including chemical compatibility testing & energetics hazards evaluation.
• Safety
  • Reinforce safety posture across all activities, to include selection, evaluation, handling, storage, of materials, intermediates, and products to ensure operations meet highest level of safety under OSHA, DoD, and DoT standards.
  • Assist and coordinate with internal and external regulators as needed to obtain licenses/permits to operate energetics in a growing environment of test and manufacturing production rates.

Qualifications:

- 5-10 years' experience desired, with a track record of successes in the energetics arena.

- Degree in Chemistry required (BA/BS).

- Knowledge regarding internal ballistics, mechanical properties evaluation, interaction of dynamics in the propellant-liner-insulation interface of solid rocket motors a distinguishing skill.

- X-Bow is interested in motivated self-starters with excellent communication and technical writing skills, proficient in MS Office and common engineering applications.

- An understanding or achievements in small-scale to production level propellant batch techniques and materials qualification is a significant plus.

X-Bow is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. X-Bow offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.