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Propellant Chemistry Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Leverage knowledge of propellant formulation, energetic materials, and warhead systems to provide ... Bachelors in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline and nine ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Leverage knowledge of propellant formulation, energetic materials, and warhead systems to provide ... Bachelors in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline and nine ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Crane, IN · Hybrid

$104K - $142K/yr

Leverage knowledge of propellant formulation, energetic materials, and warhead systems to provide ... Bachelors in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline and nine ...

All JobsPropellant Chemistry JobsPropellant Chemistry Jobs in Indiana

Propellant Chemistry information

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

To thrive as a Propellant Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, particularly in energetic materials, often supported by a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, analytical instruments (such as calorimeters and chromatographs), and relevant certifications like HAZMAT training are typical requirements. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safe development, testing, and optimization of propellants for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in propellant chemistry, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in propellant chemistry often encounter challenges related to handling hazardous materials, ensuring precise formulation, and maintaining strict safety and environmental compliance. These challenges require rigorous attention to detail, constant updating of safety protocols, and close collaboration with safety engineers and regulatory bodies. Building expertise in analytical techniques and staying informed about advancements in green propellant technologies can help address these issues and foster innovation in the field.

What is the difference between Propellant Chemistry vs Rocket Propulsion Engineer?

AspectPropellant ChemistryRocket Propulsion Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesDesign labs, testing facilities, launch sites
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing propellants and fuelsDesigning and optimizing propulsion systems

Propellant Chemistry focuses on developing and testing rocket fuels and propellants, primarily working in labs. Rocket Propulsion Engineers design and improve propulsion systems used in rockets, often working in testing and launch environments. While both roles are essential in aerospace, Propellant Chemists specialize in chemical formulations, whereas Rocket Propulsion Engineers focus on system integration and performance.

What is propellant chemistry?

Propellant chemistry is the scientific study of the materials and chemical reactions used to produce thrust in rockets, missiles, and other propulsion systems. It involves the formulation, analysis, and testing of propellants, which can be solid, liquid, or hybrid mixtures. Propellant chemists work to optimize performance, stability, and safety while minimizing environmental impact. Their work is critical to the development of space exploration, military defense systems, and commercial rockets.
What are popular job titles related to Propellant Chemistry jobs in Indiana? For Propellant Chemistry jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Propellant Chemistry jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Propellant Chemistry jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Propellant Chemistry jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Propellant Chemistry job openings:
Propellant Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propellant Chemistry job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Systems Engineer

SAIC

Crane, IN • On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC seeking a highly motivated and technically versatile Senior Systems Engineer to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane and the Office of Strategic Weapons Acquisition & Sustainment (OSW A&S) Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program. In this role, the candidate will serve as a Technology Project Officer (TPO) within the kinetics portfolio, with a primary focus on solid rocket motor (SRM) technology projects and various other kinetics-related efforts.
The ideal candidate brings a unique combination of energetics and propulsion domain expertise, quality assurance and manufacturing background, systems engineering discipline, and program execution experience. This is a hybrid/telework position requiring regular engagement at the NSWC Crane customer site and periodic travel to vendor and industrial base locations across the continental United States.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as Technology Project Officer (TPO) for solid rocket motor and other kinetics portfolio technology projects, managing technical scope, schedule, and deliverables on behalf of the IBAS program
  • Conduct Industrial Base Analysis activities including vendor assessments, manufacturing capability evaluations, and supply chain risk identification for solid rocket motor and kinetics-related components
  • Support sustainment planning for energetics and propulsion systems by evaluating supplier readiness, production capacity, and quality management systems at CONUS vendor sites
  • Coordinate and facilitate technical interchange meetings (TIMs), program reviews, and working groups with NSWC Crane stakeholders, program offices, and industry partners
  • Develop and deliver technical reports, white papers, briefings, and CDRLs in support of program milestones and customer requirements
  • Apply systems engineering principles to assess technology maturity (TRL/MRL), identify gaps, and recommend investment strategies within the kinetics portfolio
  • Collaborate with government and contractor teams to evaluate quality and manufacturing processes at the component and system level, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement
  • Support critical design reviews, interim program reviews, and other technical gate reviews as required
  • Leverage knowledge of propellant formulation, energetic materials, and warhead systems to provide subject matter expertise during vendor assessments and technology evaluations
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and industrial base trends relevant to solid rocket motors and kinetics systems

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelors in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience
  • Active Top Secret clearance required at time of hire
  • Minimum 7 years of combined experience in systems engineering, energetics/propulsion, quality assurance, or manufacturing engineering in a defense or government contracting environment
  • Demonstrated experience with solid rocket motors, propellant formulation, or energetic materials in a research, production, or program support capacity
  • Background in quality assurance and/or manufacturing engineering, including familiarity with quality management systems, process controls, and supplier quality evaluation
  • Experience supporting program reviews, technical documentation, and CDRL development in a DoD acquisition environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to senior government and industry stakeholders
  • Ability to travel up to 25% CONUS to vendor and industrial base sites
  • Ability to support on-site customer meetings 1-2 days per week at NSWC Crane, Indiana
Preferred Qualifications
  • Research focus in energetics, propellants, or related fields
  • Direct experience with solid rocket motor programs in a DoD or Navy acquisition context
  • Familiarity with NSWC Crane, Naval Acquisition programs, or OSW A&S program structure
  • Experience conducting internal or supplier audits in a defense manufacturing environment, including familiarity with AS9100, CMMI, or equivalent quality frameworks
  • Earned Value Management (EVM) knowledge or CAM certification
  • Proficiency with SysML/Cameo or other model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools
  • Experience with Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) engineering in a missile or munitions program context
  • Familiarity with AFATDS, fire control systems, or kinetics/fires domain from a military or defense perspective
  • Prior military service with experience in fires, combat engineering, or explosive systems is highly desirable
  • Proficiency with analytical tools including Python, Explo5, or equivalent computational platforms relevant to energetics analysis

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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