­Job Posting: Sr. Chemist
Company: X-Bow Systems
Location: Socorro, NM or Luling, TX (Must be located or willing to move to Socorro, New Mexico or Luling, TX.)
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 Sr. Chemist to join our team.

As a Sr. Chemist and Team Leadperson 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. The ability to lead others in a growing team environment is fundamental to success in this endeavor. The flexibility to focus on areas you are interested in for your personal and career growth is encouraged and supported. In addition to those opportunities, typical responsibilities for this position include:

• Pilot-scale plant chemical support and guiding/mentoring 5 juniors and senior consultants.
  • Technical lead for propellant applications in a wide variety of flight programs for government and commercial customers,
  • Provide coaching to junior chemists and scientists in a fast-paced lab environment enabling success, within budget and schedule constraints,
  • Demonstrate leadership and technical acumen across a wide range of skills, including analytical chemistry, energetic molecule characteristics, heritage and advanced propellant improvement approaches, problem solving involving local and remote-process methods, failure mode analysis.
  • Track record of representative technical articles, publications, patents, conference attendance, workshop leadership, regarding chemical energetics, particularly solid rocket propellants
• Engineering Coordinator for plant and material scale-up
  • Support design and development of energetics manufacturing facility, equipment, & tooling, regarding materials of construction, chemical compatibility, and best practice principles
  • Create and update process plans/procedures in a team environment, perform hazards analysis, job safety requirements, including chemical properties testing & energetics hazards evaluation.
  • Develop test plans/procedures, conduct readiness reviews, and coordinate multiple test ranges and test campaigns to include design and troubleshooting functions for test setups.
  • Participate in Technical Reviews with upper levels of management to design solutions based on company goals and customer needs, particularly with novel approaches using convincing arguments based in science and current technology.
  • Technical evaluation of test results and input to iterate the process/design/product/test cycle as necessary to improve the results and meet requirements that you may establish.
• 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:

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

• Additional proficiency as an independent researcher, together with strong team interaction discipline, is a strong need.
• A deep understanding involving small-scale to production level propellant batch techniques and materials is a basic qualification of the successful candidate.

Desired Qualifications:

• 15-25 years' experience desired, with a track record of successes in the energetics arena.
• Advanced degree in Chemistry required (MS/PhD).
• Intimate knowledge regarding internal ballistics, mechanical properties evaluation, interaction of dynamics in the propellant-liner-insulation interface of solid rocket motors a must.
• Thorough understanding of technology readiness levels, manufacturing readiness levels, and the approach to improve, will be a part of assigned responsibilities.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and AS 9100 QMS a definite 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.

Thank you for your interest in joining X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc., the space revolution on a solid foundation!