Propellant Engineer

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: Develops new and improvements of propellant and energetic materials used in automotive airbag applications. Activities include formulation, application, process, and supplier development. Also provides general chemical expertise in support of production operations and general company issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops new or improvements of propellant and energetic materials used in automotive airbag applications.
• Formulates propellants (fuel, oxidizer, binder, etc.) based on the applications requirements (gas output, flame temperature, autoignition temperature, or other features).
• Performs trade studies and preliminary analyses of gas generating materials in support of inflator development.
• Works with suppliers to develop the appropriate analytical and acceptance procedures, specifications, and test methods.
• Develops procedures, specifications, methods, and test plans (analytical, hazards, compatibility, etc.) in support of material validations and discrepancy analyses.
• Conducts material testing and provides training to technicians and suppliers.
• Performs data analysis and documents findings.
• Creates development plans, statements of work (SOW), and designs of experiments (DOE). 
• Reviews government and university literature, patents and current relevant practices and provides recommendations on applications and development activities.
• Participates in decision making regarding development priorities and provides information on feasibility of prospective projects.
• Provides recommendation on the handling, storage and shipping of energetic materials.
• Conducts benchmarking efforts on competitors’ products.
• Supports and maintains corporate chemical information for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other similar documents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS*:

B.S., M.S. or PhD. in chemistry or chemical engineering, experience in propellant chemistry with experience in automotive airbag gas generants desired. Knowledge of chemistry analytical methods and instrument operation required. Working knowledge of data analysis based on statistical methods and a strong working knowledge of experimental analytical methods required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties will be performed in a combination office/shop environment.  Employee may be exposed to environmental/controlled air conditions, and mechanical, electrical, or chemical processes requiring the use of protective equipment.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally be required to work weekends, holidays, be on call, and travel overnight on occasion.

These are considered essential duties and are illustrative of those job tasks that are fundamental.  Employees may be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.