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Defense Contractor Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Karman Space & Defense

Quality Manager

Cedar City, UT · On-site

... defense contractor that designs and manufactures its own products. This role serves as the senior ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field ...

Leidos

Analytical Chemist

Wharton, NJ · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for an Analytical Chemist to work at our ... Interact with outside customers, vendors, and researchers to support contracted and subcontracted ...

Nammo Defense System

Research Scientist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc., a defense contractor, is the primary USA operation of the Nammo Group ... Assign/delegate work to technicians and junior chemists. * Provide training to technicians to ...

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc

Research Scientist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc., a defense contractor, is the primary USA operation of the Nammo Group ... junior chemists. • Provide training to technicians to perform chemical weigh out, small scale ...

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc

Research Scientist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc., a defense contractor, is the primary USA operation of the Nammo Group ... junior chemists. • Provide training to technicians to perform chemical weigh out, small scale ...

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc

Research Scientist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc., a defense contractor, is the primary USA operation of the Nammo Group ... junior chemists. • Provide training to technicians to perform chemical weigh out, small scale ...

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How much do defense contractor chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by defense contractor chemists when working on classified projects?

Defense Contractor Chemists working on classified projects often encounter challenges related to strict security protocols, such as limited access to information and specialized facilities. These constraints can impact collaboration with colleagues and require careful documentation and communication practices. Additionally, chemists must remain vigilant about compliance with federal regulations and export controls, which can add complexity to research and development activities. Successfully navigating these challenges requires adaptability, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills within a secure environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, analytical techniques, and often a relevant degree such as a BS/MS in chemistry or related field, along with security clearance eligibility. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, hazardous materials handling, and compliance with government regulations (such as ITAR or DoD standards) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe development, analysis, and management of chemical materials in compliance with strict defense industry standards.

What does a defense contractor chemist do?

A Defense Contractor Chemist conducts research, development, and testing of chemicals and materials for use in defense applications. Their work often involves creating or improving products such as explosives, protective coatings, or materials that meet stringent military standards. They ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and government regulations while collaborating with engineers and other scientists. Defense Contractor Chemists play a crucial role in advancing technology for national security and military operations.
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Defense Contractor Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Production Chemist

Galaxy Technology Hires LLC

San Angelo, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Production Chemist
San Angelo, TX Area
The Company
Our client is a high-growth startup in one of the most critical pockets within the defense industry: explosives production. They are further increasing our country's capacity to provide the energetic materials necessary for the numerous defense systems that keep us safe; both here at home and around the world. Now more than ever, explosives production is an extremely crucial component, while also being a major bottleneck, in the deployment and utilization of defense systems. Our client is leveraging decades of industry expertise to alleviate this concern and help the United States maintain its military excellence.
The Job
Our client is seeking a Production Chemist. This person performs in-process and finished-product chemical analysis on production explosives to verify that chemical composition conforms to approved specifications, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Beyond routine testing, the chemist serves as a technical resource for troubleshooting mixing and processing issues, providing chemistry input on new facility equipment layout and process design, and supporting environmental compliance. This role requires the ability to work safely and methodically with energetic and reactive materials in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Functions
Analytical Testing & In-Process Verification
  • Collect and prepare representative in-process and finished-product samples following established sampling protocols.
  • Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis to confirm chemical composition, concentration, and conformance to specification (e.g., chromatography, spectroscopy, density, moisture content, particle size, viscosity, and thermal characterization).
  • Compare results against specification limits, release conforming product, and quarantine/hold non-conforming material.
  • Generate Certificates of Analysis (COA) and maintain accurate, audit-ready batch and test records.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation; ensure measurement traceability and instrument qualification.
  • Work with contractors, SMEs, to develop RDX, HMX, and LAP processes and future facilities.

Process Troubleshooting & Technical Support
  • Investigate out-of-specification results and process deviations using structured root-cause analysis.
  • Work with production to diagnose mixing and processing issues (e.g., composition variance, blend uniformity, emulsion/matrix stability, moisture or temperature effects, raw-material variability).
  • Recommend and help verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA); support reprocessing or disposition decisions.
  • Support method development, validation, and transfer for new or revised products and processes.

Facility, Equipment & Process Design Input
  • Provide chemistry and materials-compatibility input on new equipment selection, equipment layout, and process flow for safe, efficient, and compliant production.
  • Review proposed process changes (Management of Change) for impact on product quality, material compatibility, and analytical capability.
  • Support commissioning, qualification, and startup of new processing and laboratory equipment.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
  • Support waste characterization, sampling, and monitoring programs, and assist with environmental reporting.
  • Provide analytical data and technical input for permitting, recordkeeping, and compliance with applicable air, water, and waste regulations.
  • Help ensure laboratory and production practices align with the facility's quality system and regulatory obligations.

Quality System & Safety
  • Maintain laboratory documentation in accordance with the quality management system (e.g., ISO 9001; ISO/IEC 17025 where applicable).
  • Participate in internal/external audits, specification reviews, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
  • Strictly follow all site safety procedures for handling energetic and hazardous materials, including Process Safety Management practices, lockout/tagout, and required PPE.
  • Promptly report hazards, near-misses, and incidents.

Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related physical science.
  • Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of analytical/QC laboratory experience, preferably in explosives, propellants, energetic materials, or another regulated chemical-manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on proficiency with standard analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC/GC, ion chromatography, FTIR/UV-Vis, titrimetry, Karl Fischer moisture, thermal analysis such as DSC/TGA, density and particle-size measurement).
  • Working knowledge of quality systems, statistical process control, and root-cause/CAPA methodology.
  • Familiarity with the regulatory framework governing explosives manufacturing and handling (e.g., ATF, DOT, OSHA PSM, EPA environmental regulations, and applicable NFPA standards).
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety and the discipline to follow detailed procedures precisely.

Preferred Skills
  • Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Direct experience with commercial or defense explosives, blasting agents, emulsions, or energetic formulations in a QA/QC capacity.
  • Experience supporting facility/process design, equipment qualification, or technology transfer.
  • Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation and method validation.
  • Familiarity with environmental permitting and hazardous-waste management programs.
  • ATF employer-clearance eligibility (responsible/employee possessor as applicable).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with rigorous attention to detail.
  • Sound judgment when interpreting data and making product-disposition decisions.
  • Clear technical writing and verbal communication; able to document findings for audits and cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with production, engineering, EHS, and R&D.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle concurrent testing priorities.
  • High degree of personal accountability for safety and compliance.

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