Staff Chemist (Mid-Level)

We are currently seeking experienced mid-level Chemists for a growing list of projects involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. These projects will require knowledge of and close coordination with explosives and munitions subject matter experts, federal stakeholders, research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations.

Successful candidates in this role have a strong technical background and the ability to provide creative technical solutions while participating in and leading small teams. The ideal candidate has experience in analytical techniques, small molecule synthesis or scaling from beaker to batch, creative design, and prior exposure to pyrotechnics, propellants, combustion reactions, or other high hazard chemical environments .

Due to the nature of this work, candidates for this position must be U.S. citizens residing within the US. This position is located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC-IH) and will require you to be onsite. This position does not allow for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

This position is contingent upon the issue of technical instructions.

As a Staff Chemist at NSWC-IH, your position will include the following key responsibilities.

• Working and partnering with the client organizations, provide leadership and vision for safe and cost-effective execution of production capabilities for energetic materials and related applications (munitions, rockets, warheads, etc.)


• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with client representatives and key decision makers and achieve client satisfaction in all areas of performance.


• Quick to learn synthetic pathways for producing energetic materials and their precursors.


• Familiarity with traditional analytical techniques (TGA, GC-MS, various spectroscopies).


• Basic understanding of mass and heat transport in chemical process systems.


• Continuous learning to ensure technical competence.


• Ensure proper execution of the project including planning, scheduling, and procurements, per the customer’s requirements.


• In conjunction with the project managers develop, plan, and execute goals and objectives which support the client’s objectives.


• Responsible for the implementation of safety and quality programs by all project staff.


• Apply analytical techniques to support process development, troubleshooting, and optimization. Assist in development test plans to validate to support proof on concept designs.

Staff Chemist Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (or equivalent), with 2-4 years of experience, or a Masters with 0-2 years of experience.


• Experience in a wide variety of analytical technical for monitoring solvated and crystalized synthetic small molecule production.


• Demonstrated experience in planning and prioritization.


• Demonstrated ability to provide clear written and oral briefings including the ability to adopt content for specific audiences.


• Support development of test plans, reports, presentations, laboratory safety assessment plans, standard operating procedures, and other support documentation.


• Maintain qualification in chemical, radiation, and laser safety, and explosive handling as mandated by facility procedures and training.


• Experience with process safety and material handling ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.


• Strong written and oral communication skills


• S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.


• Ability to undergo and pass a Department of Transportation compliant medical physical exam


• Ability to undergo and pass drug screening

Staff Chemist Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the production, handling, processing, and design of energetic materials related to defense applications.


• Process engineering and integration knowledge is preferred.


• Knowledge of quality requirements and system qualification.


• Experience managing production modernization projects, including new capabilities design and development.


• Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is highly desired.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. Company Information:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about who we are, what we do, the excellent careers and each of the competitive benefits we offer and explore some of our featured offices.

Anticipated Salary Range: $87,000 - $115,000