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Defense Contractor Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naval Nuclear Laboratory (FMP)

NY · On-site

$117K - $184K/yr

Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an ... FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates ...

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Karman Space & Defense

Quality Manager

Albany, OR · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

... contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs. In this role, you serve as the senior ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, quality, manufacturing, or a related technical field ...

Northrop Grumman

Principal Safety Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

... Defense Contractor Safety Standards 4145 and company hazardous operations standards. Skills ... or chemistry Experience involving explosives Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00 ...

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How much do defense contractor chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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.

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.
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Defense Contractor Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Chemist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Lead Composite Process Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Albany International Corp.
Fabric Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Albany International Corp.external

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) is one of the most technically advanced designers and manufacturers of lightweight composite aerospace structures, subassemblies and components. For more than 50 years, AEC has innovated advanced composite solutions for defense and commercial industries in applications from large commercial transports to fighter jets and commercial and military rotorcraft.
Our composite design and fabrication expertise can be found on many commercial platforms such as Boeing's 7-series family, the Airbus A380 aircraft as well as Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. For defense programs, AEC provides a wide range of products including complete structural assemblies, flight critical components, primary and secondary structural elements for platforms such as the F-35 Lightning II, the CH-53K Heavy-lift Helicopter and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).
AEC is committed to delivering high-quality, economical composite solutions to our customers. Significant investment in infrastructure and automation ensures AEC is positioned to maximize that value, offering the right processes to meet our customer's needs.
Job Description
The Composites Process Lead is a skilled and competent Engineer who is beginning their journey in people management. The Lead will be responsible for the development and management of a team of 8-12 manufacturing engineers with strong support from the Manufacturing Engineering Manager. Development and Management of Engineers is the most critical responsibility of the Engineering Lead - the ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about engineering fundamentals and has the ability to approach problems with a teacher/coach mentality. This also includes working to balance the long-term professional objectives of individual engineers with the immediate and future needs of the business. The Engineering Lead will work closely with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to efficiently allocate Engineers to various programs of competing priority, as well as goal setting and performance reviews.
In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Composites Process Engineering Lead will be capable and willing to act as an individual contributor to solve problems which require particular focus and attention. Key Manufacturing Engineering tasks include process design, work instructions/documentation, equipment specification and layout, root cause corrective action, disposition of defects, and shop floor support.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Manage and develop a team of 8-12 Manufacturing Engineers:
  • Build a deep understanding of team dynamics, personalities, skills, and aptitude.
  • Work on Engineering development plans
  • Consult on assignments of Engineers to Programs
  • Set goals and participate in the performance review process
  • Advocate for your team to Engineering Management
  • Balance workload between multiple key stakeholders

Engineering Responsibilities:
  • Integrate specialist knowledge into a full process understanding of composite part production.
  • Drive innovative approaches to manufacturing including cost reduction, process automation, IoT integration, etc.
  • Develops processes to facilitate the production of prototype and demonstrator hardware
  • Maintains industry knowledge to understand future technology and internal technology roadmap.
  • Represents the organization in providing solutions to technical issues associated with specific projects

Skills/Knowledge
  • 7+ years' experience as an Engineer or technical management role required
  • Leadership experience or clear competence/aptitude. Extracurricular experience is acceptable.
  • High emotional intelligence and ability to handle dynamic/complex professional social situations.
  • BS in designated Engineering or related field (Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, etc.)

Preferred Additional Skills:
  • DMAIC, DFSS, LEAN, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, Mistake Proofing, DOE, DFX
  • Root Cause and Corrective Action / Non-conformance Disposition (MRB)
  • Production and Assembly Environment (Composite Lay Up, Cure, Paint, and NDI)
  • Machine shop environment (Composite Machining) as a manufacturing engineer
  • New Product Development / New Business Development
  • Shop Planning Generation (MS Word Products, etc.)
  • Working in/Leading a multidisciplinary team
  • GD&T
  • CATIA V5
  • Green Belt / Black Belt Certification
  • Experience in Windchill, and SAP
  • Aerospace manufacturing experience

As a Department of Defense Contractor, we are required to hire US Persons.

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