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Senior Research And Development Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GTN Technical Staffing

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Chemist (Aerospace R&D)

Hollister, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

US Citizen ONLY Our client is looking for a Senior Research & Development Chemist specializing in energetics to join their team! The Research & Development Chemist will initiate, design, and execute ...

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SHINE Technologies LLC

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

The role of the Senior R&D Chemist plays a critical part in radiochemical process development and ensuring regulatory and safety compliance. The base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $120 ...

SHINE Technologies LLC

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI

$75K - $120K/yr

The role of the Senior R&D Chemist plays a critical part in radiochemical process development and ensuring regulatory and safety compliance. The base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $120 ...

SHINE Technologies, LLC

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

SHINE Technologies is seeking a Senior R&D Chemist who will lead the design, execution, and analysis of experiments supporting medical isotope production and purification and used nuclear fuel (UNF ...

Bell International Laboratories

Senior R&D Chemist

MN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

A Senior Research and Development Chemist is an experienced researcher/formulator who combines technical knowledge and innovation when formulating a variety of personal care products, cosmetics and ...

Citrotech

Research & Development Chemist

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Research & Development Chemist Location: Oceanside, CA (On-Site) Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried Join a Company That's Building Something Different At ...

Epoch Biodesign

9.2. Senior R&D Chemist

Woburn, MA · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Hustle Who We Are Looking For Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Senior R&D Chemist to develop and optimize hydrometallurgical and extraction processes that improve the recovery, separation, and ...

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Senior Research And Development Chemist information

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$86.5K

$144K

How much do senior research and development chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior research and development chemist in the United States is $86,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a senior research and development chemist, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Research and Development Chemists often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, troubleshooting unexpected experimental results, and adapting to evolving regulatory requirements. Effective time management and clear communication with cross-functional teams—such as product development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs—are key to overcoming these obstacles. Staying current with industry trends and continuously upgrading technical skills also help R&D chemists innovate and address complex problems efficiently.

What does a senior research and development chemist do?

A Senior Research and Development Chemist leads the design, development, and optimization of chemical products and processes within a company or research organization. They oversee experimental work, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative solutions from concept to production. These professionals also mentor junior chemists, ensure safety and compliance standards are met, and often contribute to scientific publications or patent applications.

What is the difference between Senior Research And Development Chemist vs Research And Development Chemist?

AspectSenior Research And Development ChemistResearch And Development Chemist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field; less experience required
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, mentors junior staff, oversees experimentsConducts experiments, develops new products, supports project teams
Employer UsageUsed in industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer goodsCommon in similar industries, often entry to mid-level roles

The main difference is that the Senior Research And Development Chemist typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and oversees projects, while the Research And Development Chemist focuses on executing experiments and supporting development tasks. Both roles require strong chemistry credentials and are vital in product innovation within the industry.

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

To excel as a Senior Research and Development Chemist, you need an advanced degree in chemistry or a related field, robust analytical skills, and extensive laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS), formulation software, and industry-specific regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help drive innovation and effective teamwork. These competencies are crucial for developing new products, ensuring compliance, and maintaining a competitive edge in the chemical industry.
What cities are hiring for Senior Research And Development Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Research And Development Chemist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research And Development Chemist jobs? The most popular types of Research And Development Chemist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Research And Development Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Research And Development Chemist jobs include:
Senior Research And Development Chemist jobs near you

Chemist (Aerospace R&D)

GTN Technical Staffing

Hollister, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Research & Development Chemist (Energetics) 


Location: Hollister, CA

Position Type: Direct Hire

Salary: BOE

Travel: Approximately 25%

Residency Status: US Citizen ONLY


Our client is looking for a Senior Research & Development Chemist specializing in energetics to join their team!

The Research & Development Chemist will initiate, design, and execute testing for the development of industrial energetic products. This individual will conduct independent chemical research and synthesis, perform chemical analyses, interpret technical data, and introduce innovative solutions to complex R&D challenges. The chemist will also collaborate with engineering, safety, production, and powder-processing teams to support product development and manufacturing scale-up.

Essential Duties:

  • Initiates, designs, and executes testing for the development of industrial energetic products
  • Analyzes and interprets technical data to support product development and improvement
  • Conducts exploratory research and chemical synthesis to expand existing knowledge and develop potential new products
  • Performs chemical analyses of energetic materials, raw materials, and other chemical substances
  • Performs independent chemical research and development
  • Conducts non-routine analyses that may require modifications to established procedures
  • Develops practical and innovative solutions to complex R&D challenges within the energetics field
  • Communicates complex technical concepts and works with others to implement practical solutions
  • Leads cross-functional teams and projects involving engineering, safety, production, and other departments
  • Collaborates with engineering associates on product-function investigations and technical problem-solving
  • Supports powder-processing operations for the manufacture and scale-up of new and existing R&D materials
  • Maintains knowledge of powder-processing operations and applicable testing requirements
  • Demonstrates and promotes safe practices when working with energetic materials
  • Maintains a general understanding of engineering and testing protocols related to ordnance operations
  • Mentors and provides technical guidance to junior chemists
  • Identifies laboratory equipment and instrumentation needs
  • Prepares capital appropriation requests and supporting documentation for new equipment purchases
  • Reviews and edits technical reports, test plans, presentations, and documents related to chemistry, engineering, and manufacturing activities
  • Generates technical white papers and supports proposal preparation
  • Maintains proficiency in laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and operations
  • Travels approximately 25% to support R&D expansion
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Chemistry or a related technical discipline
  • 7+ years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree
  • 4+ years of relevant experience with a master’s degree
  • 1+ years of relevant experience with a Ph.D.
  • Experience working in a technical and manufacturing environment within the aerospace or defense industry
  • Ordnance experience is required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of safe energetic-material handling and laboratory practices
  • Experience performing independent chemical research and development
  • Knowledge of powder processing, energetic-material testing, and manufacturing scale-up
  • Proficiency with laboratory instruments, equipment, and analytical procedures
  • Ability to solve complex technical problems and develop practical, innovative solutions
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to lead projects and collaborate with engineering, safety, manufacturing, and production teams
  • Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior chemists
  • Polymer chemistry experience is a plus
  • Must be able and willing to travel approximately 25%
  • Must meet all applicable U.S. Government contractual and export-control requirements

Company Description

GTN is the leader in SOW management & technical staffing, leveraging innovation to drive next-generation recruiting to Fortune 200 companies.