What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager – Energetic Materials position at Tripwire South?
About Tripwire South, LLC
Tripwire South, LLC is an advanced technology and R&D; organization supporting defense,
aerospace, and national security missions. We specialize in developing innovative solutions
across energetic materials, sensing, and advanced manufacturing, working closely with
government and industry partners to transition cutting-edge research into operational capability.
Position Summary
The Production Manager for Energetic Materials oversees end-to-end manufacturing operations
involving explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, and related high-energy materials. This role
ensures the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of production schedules while maintaining
product quality, regulatory adherence, and operational readiness. The incumbent will lead a
multidisciplinary team responsible for batch processing, formulation, equipment operation,
facility safety, and documentation associated with controlled energetic substances.
Key Responsibilities
• Direct daily production activities for energetic compounds, propellant grains, explosive fills,
and specialty formulations, ensuring adherence to technical specifications and safety protocols.
• Manage production schedules, resource allocation, equipment utilization, and workflow
optimization in alignment with program requirements.
• Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations governing energetic
materials (e.g., ATF, OSHA, DoD, DOT, EPA).
• Lead and mentor production technicians, operators, and shift supervisors; oversee training,
qualification, and performance management.
• Implement and enforce robust safety protocols, including hazard analysis, process safety
reviews, incident investigations, and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain technical documentation: batch records, work instructions, process deviations,
material traceability, and quality assurance reports.
• Interface with Engineering, R&D, Quality Assurance, EHS, and Supply Chain teams to resolve
manufacturing issues, support product transitions, and enable continuous improvement.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of production equipment, including mixers,
extruders, presses, casting systems, and thermal processing units.
• Support process optimization, lean manufacturing initiatives, and cost-reduction efforts without
compromising safety or product integrity.
• Coordinate audits, inspections, and certification activities with internal and external
stakeholders.
• Ensure inventory accuracy for raw materials, energetic intermediates, and finished goodsthrough strict accountability and tracking systems.
• Contribute to long-range planning for capacity expansion, capital equipment investment, and
facility modernization.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science,
Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably in energetic
materials, specialty chemicals, or regulated hazardous substances.
• Proven leadership experience managing production teams in a high-risk operational
environment.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management, hazard mitigation, and safe handling of
explosives and energetic compounds.
• Demonstrated ability to manage production metrics, drive accountability, and maintain rigorous
quality and compliance standards.
• Proficiency with manufacturing documentation, ERP/MES systems, and lean manufacturing
practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. citizenship may be required for access to restricted or classified programs.
Preferred Qualifications
• Direct experience with explosive processing, propellant formulation, casting/pressing
operations, pyrotechnic production, or munitions assembly.
• Working knowledge of DoD energetic materials specifications and MIL-STD compliance.
• Certification in process safety management, hazardous materials operations, or quality systems
(e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, PMP).
• Experience implementing continuous improvement programs and SPC methodologies.
• Familiarity with facility licensing, ATF compliance, and explosive site planning (e.g., quantity-
distance requirements).
Work Environment
This position operates within a controlled energetic manufacturing facility involving hazardous
materials and specialized equipment. Strict adherence to PPE requirements and operational
safety procedures is mandatory. Th