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Propellant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Chemical Technician

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Familiarity with formulation of propellant/explosive/energetic materials highly preferred ... Experience operating test equipment including vacuum pumps, temperature chambers, etc. is a plus.

Ralliant

Chemical Technician (Second Shift)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

... propellant mix or intermediate containers. Initially as an observer/safety buddy progressing to operating under direct supervision and followed by general team operations. * Participate in team ...

Astrion

Chemical Technician

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Familiarity with formulation of propellant/explosive/energetic materials highly preferred ... Experience operating test equipment including vacuum pumps, temperature chambers, etc. is a plus.

True Anomaly

Senior Propulsion Development Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Define test stand performance envelopes: thrust levels, propellant flow rates, operating pressures, temperature ranges, test duration, and data acquisition requirements. * Establish requirements for ...

GITAI

Senior Propulsion Engineer, SRM

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are looking for exceptional engineers and operators who want broad ownership, can work across ... That means working directly across propellant formulation, motor design, manufacturing, and hot ...

L3HHCM20

Manufacturing Technician B - Days

Camden, AR · On-site

... parts, and work area and operating machinery. They will record and maintain records for ... Essential Functions: 50% - Full scale propellant mixing - Prepares materials and performs full ...

Anduril Industries

Quality Inspector

Mchenry, MS

... propellant, casings, nozzles, liners, igniters, and completed motor assemblies. You'll have a ... operating under AS9100 or a similar aerospace QMS standard. * Familiarity with military ...

GITAI

Senior Propulsion Engineer, SRM

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are looking for exceptional engineers and operators who want broad ownership, can work across ... That means working directly across propellant formulation, motor design, manufacturing, and hot ...

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Propellant Operator information

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How much do propellant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for propellant operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a propellant operator?

Propellant operators are specialized technicians who are responsible for handling, preparing, and transferring propellants—such as rocket fuels or other energetic materials—used in aerospace, defense, or industrial applications. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and managing the storage and transportation of hazardous substances. Propellant operators play a crucial role in the functioning of facilities that require precise handling of volatile chemicals, and must be thoroughly trained in safety and emergency response procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a propellant operator?

To thrive as a Propellant Operator, you need a strong understanding of chemical handling, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with hazardous materials procedures, monitoring equipment, and safety certifications such as OSHA HAZMAT are typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work calmly under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring operational efficiency, and preventing accidents in environments where hazardous materials are handled.

What safety challenges do propellant operators face and how are they addressed?

Propellant Operators often work with highly sensitive and potentially hazardous materials, making safety a top priority. Common challenges include handling volatile chemicals, preventing contamination, and ensuring precise measurements during mixing and transfer. These challenges are addressed through rigorous adherence to safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular safety drills, and close coordination with safety engineers and quality control teams. Continuous training and clear communication within the team help maintain a safe work environment and minimize risks.

What is the difference between Propellant Operator vs Rocket Propellant Technician?

AspectPropellant OperatorRocket Propellant Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, fueling stationsRocket testing facilities, aerospace labs
Industry UsageSpace agencies, defense contractorsSpace agencies, aerospace companies
Job FocusHandling, mixing, and fueling propellantsPreparing, testing, and maintaining rocket propellants

While both roles involve working with rocket propellants, Propellant Operators primarily handle fueling and safety procedures in manufacturing settings. Rocket Propellant Technicians focus more on preparing and testing propellants in aerospace laboratories. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the space industry.

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What job categories do people searching Propellant Operator jobs look for?

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Propellant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propellant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - AP Milling

Ursa Major

Berthoud, CO • On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The future of aerospace and defense starts here.
Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.
Ursa Major is developing cutting-edge propulsion systems and is seeking an innovative and hands-on a Senior Manufacturing Engineer. The Engineer in this role will assume technical and operational ownership of manufacturing processes for solid rocket motors, with a primary focus on Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) milling and related powder-handling operations. This role will lead the design, development, qualification, and continuous improvement of AP milling processes that feed directly into propellant manufacturing.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience with energetic materials or strong experience with fine powder processing in a safety-critical or regulated environment and is eager to apply that expertise to solid rocket propulsion. This is a hands-on position with significant responsibility for day-to-day plant operations, process capability, and long-term process development.
Key Responsibilities
Process Ownership & Development
  • Serve as the Process Owner for AP milling and associated powder-handling operations
  • Lead hands-on troubleshooting alongside technicians and engineers on the production floor to resolve complex manufacturing issues, stabilize, and improve processes.
  • Develop, maintain, and enforce process documentation, including:
    • Manufacturing Process Specifications (MPS)
    • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    • Work Instructions
  • Define and maintain Critical Process Parametersfor AP milling (e.g., particle size distribution, moisture content, bulk density, contamination levels, flowability).
  • Own process change control:
    • Initiate, justify, and implement process changes via formal ECN mechanisms.
    • Perform risk assessments (FMEA, HAZOP) for proposed changes.
    • Plan and manage validation and requalification activities following changes.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma to support:
    • New propellant formulations and motor programs
    • Scale-up from development to production volumes
    • Reductions in cycle time, scrap, and variability
  • Specify and optimize milling equipment and conditions:
    • Mill type selection (e.g., jet mills, ball mills, pin mills, hammer mills)
    • Operating parameters (feed rates, rotor speeds, classifier settings, media selection, temperature control)
  • Design, develop, and validate new manufacturing processes and equipment to meet design specifications, safety standards, and production rate requirements for AP milling.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to manufacturing engineers and technicians, promoting best practices in process control, problem solving, and operational excellence.

Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
  • Lead in establishing and maintaining process safety for energetic and oxidizer handling, with a focus on fine powder hazards.
  • Perform and update Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), HAZOPs, and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) for AP milling and related processes.
  • Define safe operating envelopes for AP milling (e.g., temperature limits, inert atmosphere requirements, static control, equipment interlocks).
  • Ensure compliance with relevant military/industry standards and regulations for energetic materials, oxidizers, and combustible dusts (e.g., applicable NFPA and OSHA requirements).
  • Support incident/near-miss investigations and implement corrective and preventive actionsOther duties as assigned

Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Experience
  • Minimum of 6years in a manufacturing or process engineering role, developing and deploying new production processes and equipment.
  • Proven hands-on experience with powder or particulate material processing in a production environment, such as:
    • Milling, grinding, jet milling, micronization, classification, sieving, blending, or spray drying.
  • Demonstrated process ownership in a production environment:
    • Defined, controlled, and improved processes at scale.
    • Implemented and controlled changes via formal documentation and change-control systems.
  • Experience in at least one of the following:
    • Solid rocket motor or energetics manufacturing (propellant mixing, casting, curing, machining, powder handling); or
    • Chemical, pharmaceutical, battery materials, metal powder, or other materials processing involving strict safety, quality, and regulatory controls.

Skills
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Particle technology: particle size distribution, morphology, flow behavior, segregation, packing, bulk density.
    • Milling and classification operations: mill selection, operating principles, scale-up considerations.
    • Process safety for combustible dusts, oxidizers, and/or energetic materials: dust explosion hazards, static control, inerting, ventilation.
  • Proficiency with:
    • Root cause analysis methodologies (5-Whys, Fishbone, FMEA).
    • Basic statistical tools for process analysis (e.g., SPC, capability analysis), using software such as Minitab, JMP, or equivalent.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to generate clear work instructions and to train technicians and operators.
  • Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA) for tooling, fixtures, and simple equipment design.
  • Excellent project management skills: able to scope, plan, and execute development and qualification activities with clear milestones and deliverables.

Desired Qualifications
  • Education: Master of Science (M.S.) in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • Direct experience in solid rocket motor manufacturing, specifically one or more of:
    • Powder handling and conveyance systems for oxidizers or energetic materials.
    • Milling and particle size reduction (e.g., jet mills, ball mills, pin mills) for oxidizers or fine powders.
  • Previous experience in the aerospace, defense, or energetics industry, particularly with solid rocket motor manufacturing (insulation, propellant, case winding, or similar processes).
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • Dust collection and explosion protection systems (e.g., NFPA-compliant systems, explosion vents, suppression systems, explosion isolation devices).
  • Familiarity with:
    • Relevant NFPA standards for combustible dusts and oxidizers.
    • AS9100, ISO 9001, or other quality management systems in a highly regulated industry.
    • Lean / Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or above preferred).

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $88,000 - $130,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Classification: Full-time Exempt
Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
  • Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
  • Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
  • Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
  • Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
  • EAP Program
  • Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
  • Equity Grants in the Company

How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
We're an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
No outside recruiters, please.

Apply