Job Description

Propellant Chemist I / II – Development

Company: X-Bow Launch Systems

Location: Socorro, NM

Position Type: Full-Time

Description

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Basic Qualifications

Propellant Chemist I

• 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.

Propellant Chemist II

• 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.

Desired Skills

• 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.

Other Information

Work Location: Socorro, New Mexico

Schedule: Full-Time

Position Level: Chemist I or II, determined by education, relevant experience, and demonstrated technical capabilities.

X-Bow offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

X-Bow is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Join X-Bow Launch Systems - the space revolution on a solid foundation