What are the responsibilities and job description for the Warhead / Energetics Lead position at Veteran Hiring Solutions?
Location: Leander, TX (Onsite)
ITAR Compliant Role – U.S. Persons Only
Mission of the Role
Propulsion and aerodynamics move the vehicle.
This role determines whether the mission succeeds.
The Warhead & Energetics Lead owns the terminal effects system from concept through validated performance. You are responsible for designing, testing, iterating, and industrializing the warhead capability that makes the overall system effective.
This is not a compliance-only position.
This is full lifecycle ownership — from physics to explosive design to range validation to safe manufacturing — building the capability from the ground up inside a 20-person, high-velocity startup.
Build a disciplined, repeatable energetic development capability that delivers reliable mission effects — safely, compliantly, and at speed.
Success means:
A validated warhead architecture delivering intended terminal performance
Explosive testing programs generating actionable data
Rapid iteration between test results and design refinement
Safe, documented manufacturing processes for energetic components
Compliance with ATF and military explosive handling standards
A team trained and capable of executing without constant oversight
You solve the problem.
You build the process.
You train the team.
Warhead architecture and effects engineering
Explosive material selection
Explosive train design (detonators, boosters, initiation systems)
Fragmentation and blast characterization
Explosive testing design and execution
Instrumentation, data collection, and interpretation
Manufacturing process development for energetic systems
Safety protocols, storage, handling, and documentation
ATF and military explosive compliance
Establishing the company’s energetic development capability from zero
If testing reveals unknowns, you design the experiment.
If safety or compliance is unclear, you define the solution.
Design and validate an initial warhead architecture aligned to mission effects requirements.
Establish and execute a disciplined explosive testing program at external ranges.
Build documented, safe manufacturing processes for energetic components.
Develop explosive handling and compliance systems meeting ATF and military standards.
Train technicians and engineers to execute validated energetic processes.
Integrate the warhead subsystem cleanly into propulsion, mechanical, and systems architecture.
This is a 20-person engineering organization. There is no large support structure.
The ideal leader:
Moves quickly to market while accepting that iteration is inevitable
Is comfortable “building the plane mid-flight”
Owns outcomes across design, test, manufacturing, and compliance
Operates with confidence — not arrogance
Thrives in ambiguity and incomplete information
Balances bold engineering decisions with disciplined safety standards
Takes full psychological ownership of mission success
You are an operator building a capability.
Missile systems are only as effective as their terminal effects.
This position ensures that when the vehicle reaches its target, the mission outcome is reliable, repeatable, and engineered — not assumed.
You are building capability.
Who You Are
- Must have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Reserves, or U.S. National Guard.
- You have designed or materially contributed to real explosive or warhead systems.
You move fluidly between theory, engineering judgment, and physical testing.
You understand how explosive performance translates into real-world terminal effects.
You can establish structure where none exists.
You lead through clarity, accountability, and competence.
You are confident but collaborative.
Ownership is non-negotiable.
100% Health Coverage (Employee)
90% Health Coverage (Family/Spouse)
100% Dental & Vision
Competitive salary - $150,000 equity
Relocation package available
Salary : $150,000