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Defense Contractor Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chemist

Hazelwood, MO · On-site +1

$91K - $141K/yr

Investigates, analyzes, and directs contractor investigations of proposed site operations to ... Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer * Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange ...

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Prepares cost estimates for new and existing contracted work as needed. * Solves a variety of ...

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Prepares cost estimates for new and existing contracted work as needed. * Solves a variety of ...

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Prepares cost estimates for new and existing contracted work as needed. * Solves a variety of ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

As a long-term defense partner, Booz Allen delivers advanced technology that furthers essential ... sub-contractors * Knowledge of technology, manufacturing, and integration readiness levels, or ...

As a long-term defense partner, Booz Allen delivers advanced technology that furthers essential ... sub-contractors * Knowledge of technology, manufacturing, and integration readiness levels, or ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

As a long-term defense partner, Booz Allen delivers advanced technology that furthers essential ... sub-contractors * Knowledge of technology, manufacturing, and integration readiness levels, or ...

Quality Manager

Albany, OR · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... AS9100-certified defense contractor. This role serves as the senior authority for the Quality ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

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

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., 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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Defense Contractor Chemist information

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$52

How much do defense contractor chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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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What cities are hiring for Defense Contractor Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Defense Contractor Chemist job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Chemist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Chemist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Chemist job openings in the United States as of June 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.
Chemist

$91K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Summary
About the Position: District expert for chemistry matters related to feasibility studies and remedial investigations, designs and actions for the Superfund, Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP), Ordnance & Explosives (OE), and other Hazardous Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) programs.
This position will be located in St. Louis, MO and will allow for situational telework only. This position is NOT eligible for Full-time telework.
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Duties
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  • Plans and directs the development and modification of sample preparation for highly complex, unusual, or novel samples and situations.
  • Performs literature searches to ascertain related methods and information about sampling procedures.
  • Formulates programs oriented to prescribing the optimum sampling and sample storage procedures based upon the stability and chemical properties of the substances and their medium.
  • Participates with laboratories in devising new or improved testing methods.
  • Evaluates and interprets the results of laboratory tests.
  • Makes field visits to construction sites when requested to oversee sampling efforts and resolve chemistry problems related to study, changed conditions or design omissions.
  • Reviews, comments, and provides written input into preparing and revising Corps of Engineers (COE) Engineering Manuals and Engineering Regulations on chemical sampling, testing, and analysis, and quality assurance.
  • Oversees the chemistry related work done by other in-house staff or by contractors.
  • Prepares the scopes of work and estimates for the chemical aspects of Ordnance and Explosives (OE) and other Hazardous Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) work performed under Architect-Engineer and Services contracts.
  • Investigates, analyzes, and directs contractor investigations of proposed site operations to determine the presence and concentration of explosive residues and toxic and hazardous chemicals.
  • Performs detailed review of Statement of Work, Work Plan, Safety Submission, risk assessments, cost estimates, and final engineering reports.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Incumbent must obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER Certification within 12 months of appointment.
  • Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Postal Service/Peace Corps and Other Unique Authorities
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for the Chemist 1320 Series:
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Course work equivalent to a major in the physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Minimum Qualifications for NH-03:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes working in hazardous and/or radiological waste contamination investigation programs; providing Quality Assurance oversight on lab operations and validation of lab data; providing technical direction, review, and/or support of environmental field investigations, studies, and/or designs; and advising on sampling techniques, quality assurance, and/or analytical aspects of hazardous waste plans, specifications, and/or cleanups. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (NH-02/GS-11).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job at the NH-03, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
  • Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized at management discretion.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary periodduring which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This position requires you to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Career Program (CP) #18 - Engineers & Scientists position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US