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Rd Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-807A ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 807A Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Chemistry problems in our laboratory involve performing chemical analysis on various materials ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-807A ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 807A Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Chemistry problems in our laboratory involve performing chemical analysis on various materials ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-807A ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 807A Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Chemistry problems in our laboratory involve performing chemical analysis on various materials ...

US-AZ-TUCSON-807A ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 807A Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S ... Chemistry problems in our laboratory involve performing chemical analysis on various materials ...

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Rd Chemist information

See salary details

$39.5K

$85.3K

$155.5K

How much do rd chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for rd chemist in the United States is $85,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by an R&D Chemist when developing new products?

One of the primary challenges R&D Chemists encounter is balancing innovative formulation with regulatory and safety requirements. They must develop new compounds or processes that not only perform as intended but also meet strict industry standards and environmental guidelines. Collaborating with cross-functional teams such as engineering, production, and quality assurance can present additional hurdles, requiring clear communication and adaptability. Additionally, R&D Chemists often work under tight project timelines, making effective time management and problem-solving skills essential.

What does an R&D Chemist do?

An R&D Chemist, or Research and Development Chemist, is responsible for creating, testing, and improving chemical products and processes. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with other scientists to develop new materials or enhance existing ones. Their work often involves staying current with scientific advances and applying them to solve practical problems in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an R&D Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an R&D Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically supported by a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, analytical methods (such as HPLC, GC, or spectroscopy), and often regulatory compliance or safety certifications is crucial. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills set exceptional R&D Chemists apart. These skills are essential for developing innovative solutions, ensuring accurate research results, and supporting successful collaboration in research environments.

What is the difference between Rd Chemist vs Quality Control Chemist?

AspectRd ChemistQuality Control Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field; relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical or chemical companiesQuality assurance labs, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch and development departments in pharma, biotech, chemical industriesQuality assurance and control departments in manufacturing industries

Both Rd Chemists and Quality Control Chemists typically hold similar educational credentials and work in laboratory settings within the chemical or pharmaceutical industries. However, Rd Chemists focus on developing new products and formulations, while Quality Control Chemists ensure products meet quality standards through testing. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and career goals.

More about Rd Chemist jobs
What states have the most Rd Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Rd Chemist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rd Chemist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,329 per year, or $41 per hour.
Principal Propellant Chemist

Principal Propellant Chemist

Raytheon

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-14

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

The Materials Engineering Department (NE-SW), which functions within the Mechanical Products Team, is looking for a propellant chemist with chemical analysis and non-metal materials application experience to join our team in Tucson Arizona. This fully on-site position will offer a qualified candidate the opportunity to engage our energetic suppliers in assessment of propellant properties, engage subject matter experts within Raytheon and the industry as well as conduct standard chemical laboratory analysis and perform hands-on-testing of materials including adhesives, polymers, tapes, composites, and various other production materials. The role will support all phases of product life cycle (including design, development and production) for a multitude of programs. Analyses will cover a wide range of topics from propellant chemistry, propellant processing, mechanical properties, failure analysis, material characterization, development, process improvement and obsolescence.  Energetic work is expected to be approximately ¼ to ½ time supporting energetic assessments with the remaining of the time supporting material characterization in our laboratory.  Tasks will require careful attention to detail, fundamental scientific and material knowledge, project management skills, chemistry laboratory skills, testing of materials, and documentation of results. Collaboration with engineers, subject matter experts, and suppliers is required. Candidate must be able to manage and coordinate a wide variety of simultaneous tasks within set schedule requirements.

What You Will Do

  • Support Programs in assessing supplier data from energetic suppliers.   Trouble shoot problems and provide solutions to problems at suppliers.  This will require travel at times to energetic suppliers to support root cause corrective action. 

  • Assessing materials based on conformance to specifications.

  • Conducting hands on testing of materials using a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation at our Tucson Facility

  • Conducting standard chemical analysis laboratory testing using a verity of instrumentation including: FTIR, SEM-EDS, GC-MS, LC, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA

  • Method and test plan development

  • Leading various characterization and design projects

  • Following standard written protocols and utilizing a variety of databases

  • Teaming with subject matter experts and management to understand material usage.

  • Consistent engagement with engineers, subject matter experts and management to provide project status updates

  • Documentation and communication of results and findings

The Principal Propellant Chemist job is in Tucson, AZ and the position is onsite.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience

  • Experience in using propellant mixers and standard laboratory equipment (i.e. ovens, thermometers, calipers, and microscope)

  • Experience in Instrumental Analysis techniques (i.e. FTIR, UV-Vis, DSC, DMA, TMA, TGA, Rheology, GCMS, NMR, ICP-OES, HPLC, GPC, SEM, EDS)

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry

  • Equivalent MOS: 89D (US Army); 2171 (US Marine Corps), 4B0X1 (US Air Force)

  • Demonstrated ability to apply analytical chemistry principles to industry applications.

  • Specific majors: ACS certified Chemistry degree with strong analytical/instrumentation skills

  • Understanding of Polymer Chemistry

  • Understanding of Systems Engineering

  • Understanding of material safety datasheets and Military/Industrial Specifications

  • Knowledge of data analysis, modeling and simulation, statistics, and various computational techniques for complex multi-variable problems.

  • Strong communication, interpersonal, planning and time management skills

  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal scientific communication skills

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and complete multi-disciplined scientific based projects including failure analysis investigations

  • Ability to write concise technical reports summarizing analyses

  • MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

#LI-SM4

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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