Explosives Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

Job Title: Chemical Engineer / Research Chemist – Energetic Materials

This role offers an opportunity for a hands-on Chemical Engineer or Research Chemist to join a small, cross-functional team developing cutting-edge energetic systems and ammunition technologies. You will design and scale up novel synthetic processes, formulate and test energetic materials, and support the integration of these materials into armaments and munitions. The position combines laboratory research, pilot-scale work, analytical characterization, and project engineering in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment focused on innovation, safety, and technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel synthetic routes and scale-up processes for energetic materials, from laboratory scale to pilot plant quantities (approximately 1 lb to 1 kg).
• Characterize new energetic materials using analytical techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-VIS spectroscopy, and other chemical analyzers.
• Optimize formulations for propellants, pyrotechnics, and explosive compositions to meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• Handle, process, and test energetic materials, armaments, and weapon systems in strict accordance with safety procedures and process requirements.
• Integrate energetic materials into end items such as ammunition and munitions, collaborating with cross-functional team members to ensure proper system performance.
• Design experiments and test series that enable safe, efficient, and high-quality data collection to support development and qualification activities.
• Select, design, install, maintain, and operate specialized instrumentation and testing equipment required for energetic material synthesis, processing, and evaluation.
• Support company compliance with restricted information security regulations by following established protocols and documentation practices.
• Perform project engineering tasks, including writing technical reports, preparing and delivering technical presentations to customers and at public meetings, and tracking technical deliverables and milestones.
• Apply process improvement and continuous improvement principles to enhance safety, efficiency, and quality in laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
• Collaborate closely with a small, interdisciplinary team, contributing creative ideas, troubleshooting complex problems, and driving projects to completion.
• Use sound judgment and practical, hands-on problem solving in both laboratory and pilot plant environments, balancing innovation with strict safety and regulatory requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Hands-on experience with energetic materials or closely related hazardous materials in a laboratory or pilot-scale environment.
• Proficiency in standard laboratory practices, including synthetic chemistry, wet chemistry, and formulation work.
• Working knowledge of analytical chemistry and experience using instruments such as GC, TGA, FTIR, and UV-VIS spectrometers.
• Ability to develop and scale up chemical processes, including synthesis and formulation of energetic or hazardous materials.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team on fast-paced projects.
• Capacity to exercise creative thinking and innovation in designing experiments and solving technical challenges.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for documentation, reporting, and technical presentations.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance, as required for work with restricted information and defense-related projects.
• Ability to obtain a Colorado State Blaster's Permit.
• Physical ability to sit for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and bend, sit, stand, and move as needed to perform laboratory and pilot plant tasks.
• Comfort working in a highly regulated environment and following strict safety and process requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a highly regulated industry such as energetics, defense, or pharmaceuticals, particularly with novel process development.
• Familiarity with general explosive effects and explosive chemistry.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: continuous synthesis, armament and munition development, energetic material synthesis and formulation, or laboratory and pilot plant scale-up of energetic materials.
• Knowledge of basic to intermediate chemistry and/or chemical engineering principles relevant to energetic materials and process development.
• Experience with chemical formulation development for performance-critical applications.
• Background using analytical chemistry analyzers specifically for energetics and explosives characterization.
• Exposure to process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies in a laboratory or production environment.
• A practical, hands-on mindset—comfortable working beyond the desk in experimental setups, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
• Creative, solution-oriented approach with a willingness to safely explore new tests and methods to achieve project goals.
• Ability to work both independently and under direction, managing time and priorities effectively in a dynamic setting.
• Resilient, "hearty" work style suited to demanding, detail-oriented experimental work with hazardous materials.

Work Environment

The role is based at a specialized energetic materials facility in Littleton, Colorado, supporting a variety of defense-related projects and customers. You will work as part of a small, highly skilled, cross-functional team in laboratory and pilot plant environments that focus on applied energetics, including synthesis, formulation, testing, and system integration. The work involves frequent use of analytical instruments such as GC, TGA, FTIR, UV-VIS, and other chemical analyzers, as well as specialized equipment for handling and testing energetic materials, armaments, and weapon systems. The environment is fast-paced and innovation-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance with restricted information security regulations, and rigorous adherence to procedures for working with hazardous and energetic materials. The culture emphasizes integrity, quality, agility, and grit, with a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions quickly and cost-effectively. A mix of desk-based tasks (data analysis, reporting, and presentations) and hands-on experimental work is expected, and you should be comfortable moving between these settings. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching, disability and life insurance, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a flexible schedule. The employer follows equal employment opportunity and affirmative action principles and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

This is a Permanent position based out of Littleton, CO.

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Benefits: · Medical insurance · Dental insurance · Vision insurance · 401(k) with matching · Disability insurance · Life insurance · Paid time off · Professional development · Flexible schedule

This is a fully onsite position in Littleton,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 7, 2026.

About Actalent

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