Chemical Engineer

Job Summary: The Chemical Engineer for Hornady Manufacturing is a highly skilled and safety-conscious, dynamic member of our ammunition manufacturing team. This role is responsible for the development, scale-up, and optimization of energetic systems and propellants used in ammunition and armaments. The chemical engineer bridges the gap between laboratory-scale chemical development and high-volume, safe industrial production while ensuring strict adherence to strict environmental and military safety protocols.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process Scale-Up & Integration: Research, design and optimize chemical manufacturing processes to transition novel energetic materials from R&D to full-scale ammunition production. Improve existing products and enhance production methods. Integrate components safely into end articles like cartridges, primers, and shell casings.


• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Establish, monitor, and enforce rigorous safety protocols for handling hazardous and explosive compounds. Ensure plant operations align with DoD (Department of Defense), OSHA, and EPA regulations.


• Testing & Instrumentation: Design complex experiments and test series to analyze the stability, burn rates, and performance of propellants and primers. Select, install, and operate specialized testing equipment and instrumentation.


• Quality Control & Optimization: Troubleshoot manufacturing anomalies, minimize material waste, and implement process improvements to maximize loading and assembly efficiency.


• Cross-Functional: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, including engineering, manufacturing (all levels), compliance, executive administration, and research and development.


• Report & Present: Preparing technical reports, documentation and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.


• Equipment Design: Plan plant layouts and design prototype mechanical or fluid systems required for safely transporting and mixing chemical compounds.


• Continued Education. Stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements and best practices in chemical engineering (specifically related to the manufacturing of ammunition). 

Required Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and chemical reaction engineering.


• Proficiency in process simulation tools and CAD software.


• Experience with automated control systems (SCADA/DCS) used in hazardous environments.


• Practical understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DoE).


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and develop solutions.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.


• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in work with absolute respect for safety checklists and documentation.


• Knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainability practices in chemical engineering profession.


• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities to troubleshoot real-time plant-floor process variances.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.


• Experience: 2–5+ years of experience in chemical process engineering. Direct experience working with energetic materials, explosives, propellants, aerospace chemicals, or defense manufacturing is highly preferred.

Work Environment

This position splits time between an office setting, ballistics lab, shooting range, and the ammunition/primer production floor. The role involves working near hazardous materials, necessitating continuous use of specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and strict following of explosive safety quantity-distance (ESQD) standards.

Qualified internal candidates should apply and submit a current resume/cover letter by Friday, October 30, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled.