Propellant Chemist I / II

X-Bow Launch Systems is an innovative aerospace company advancing solid rocket propulsion technologies for defense and commercial applications. We are seeking a motivated Propellant Chemist I / II to support the research, development, and characterization of solid rocket propellants at our Socorro, New Mexico facility.

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team of chemists and engineers to develop and evaluate propellant formulations, characterize material properties, optimize processing methods, and support the transition of new technologies from laboratory development to manufacturing.

• →Develop, prepare, and evaluate laboratory-scale solid rocket propellant formulations.

• →Conduct experiments to investigate formulation performance, material compatibility, curing behavior, and mechanical properties.

• →Perform material characterization using techniques such as DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheology, and mechanical testing.

• →Analyze experimental data, identify trends, and recommend formulation or process improvements.

• →Support experimental design, test planning, and technical investigations.

• →Assist in transitioning propellant formulations from laboratory-scale development to pilot-scale processing.

• →Prepare technical reports, laboratory procedures, and experimental documentation.

• →Follow established energetic-materials safety procedures and participate in laboratory hazard assessments.

• →Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges and advance development objectives.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.

• 0–2 years of relevant laboratory or research experience, including academic research or internships.

• Fundamental understanding of chemistry, chemical reactions, and material properties.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and document results.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.

• Minimum 2 years of relevant technical experience.

• Required hands-on experience with energetic materials, including formulation development, processing, testing, or characterization.

• Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, troubleshoot laboratory processes, and interpret technical results.

• Experience with solid rocket propellants, energetic formulations, polymer chemistry, or composite materials.

• Knowledge of propellant ingredients, polymeric binder systems, curing chemistry, and material compatibility.

• Experience with DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheology, ballistics, and mechanical property characterization.

• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and experimental optimization.

• Experience with laboratory-scale propellant mixing, casting, curing, or process development.

• Understanding of propellant mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and aging characteristics.

• Familiarity with energetic-materials safety requirements and applicable DoD standards.

• Experience preparing technical reports, laboratory procedures, and development documentation.