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How much do propellant chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for propellant chemistry in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
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Propellant Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propellant Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,292 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Sr. Manager Propellant Engineering

ARC Automotive Inc

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Sr Manager - Propellant Engineering
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a technical leadership position responsible for managing the ARC propellant team. The team is responsible for propellant formulation development, process development, and propellant operations support including development of energetic material and chemical raw ingredients suppliers. The propellant team also provides general chemical expertise in support of production operations and general company issues.
1. Provide technical and managerial leadership in the planning, execution and delivery of propellant related projects. These projects include formulating propellants and gas generating materials (fuel, oxidizer, binder, etc.) based on the applications requirements (gas output, flame temperature, autoignition temperature, or other characteristics) and developing the associated processes- from lab scale through pilot scale to full scale production.
2. Work closely with other company technical staff to understand system level requirements and apply to energetic material performance.
3. Allocate department resources in support of on-going production programs as well as development projects.
4. Manage and mentor department personnel including recruiting, personnel development, training and performance reviews.
5. Manage propellant laboratory operations in the areas of materials and process development, energetic materials testing, and the development of analytical methods and procedures.
6. Provide technical presentations to the company executive staff as well as Tier One and OEM customers.
7. Lead benchmarking efforts on competitor's products.
8. Provide department technical leadership and expertise on other matters such as:
• developing appropriate acceptance procedures, specifications, and test methods with suppliers
• developing procedures, specifications, methods and test plans (analytical, hazards, compatibility, etc.) in support of material validations and discrepancy analyses
• supporting product investigations and the preparation of formal technical reports
• evaluation of potential energetic material suppliers
• evaluating and completing trade studies on materials processing equipment including supporting propellant operations capital projects
• supporting lab and production scale process hazards analysis (PHA)
• maintaining computer ballistic models for existing products as well as developing models for new products
• Develop and maintain corporate chemical information for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other similar documents
9. Enhance the new product development pipeline
10. Lead safety-first culture
11. Incident prevention and risk mitigation ownership
12. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Duties will be performed in a combination office/shop environment. Employee may be exposed to environmental/controlled air conditions, and mechanical, electrical, or chemical processes requiring the use of protective equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to work weekends and holidays, be on call, and travel overnight on occasion. Some international travel may be required.
These are considered essential duties and are illustrative of those job tasks that are fundamental. Employees may be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS*:
B.S., M.S. or PhD. in chemistry with a minimum of ten (10) years' experience in propellant chemistry with at least 3 years' experience in a supervisory role. Experience in energetic materials product/process development from concept through production. Experience analyzing data based on statistical methods and a strong working knowledge of experimental analytical methods required. Familiar with DOD energetic material safety standards as well as ATF and USDOT regulations for energetic material storage and transportation.

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