QA/QC Chemist, Explosives Manufacturing

JOB DESCRIPTION QA/QC Chemist, Explosives Manufacturing Department Production Reports To Head of Production Location Ballinger, TX FLSA Status Exempt Travel Occasional (up to 10%), including customer, subcontractor, and government-site visits Employment Type Full-Time Position Summary Critical Materials Group (CMG) is building advanced domestic energetic materials manufacturing capability, including continuous-flow RDX and HMX production and LAP.

The QA/QC Chemist, Explosives Manufacturing is the chemistry authority on the production floor and a first chemistry voice on CMG’s new RDX, HMX, and LAP facilities. This role performs in-process and finished-product chemical analysis to verify that explosives conform to approved specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.

Beyond routine testing, the chemist troubleshoots mixing and processing issues, works with contractors and subject-matter experts on process development, provides chemistry input on equipment layout and process design for new facilities, and supports environmental compliance. This role requires the ability to work safely and methodically with energetic and reactive materials in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Analytical Testing & In-Process Verification

• Collect and prepare representative in-process and finished-product samples following established sampling protocols.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis to confirm chemical composition, concentration, and conformance to specification, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, density, moisture content, particle size, viscosity, and thermal characterization.
• Compare results against specification limits, release conforming product, and quarantine or hold non-conforming material.
• Generate Certificates of Analysis (COA) and maintain accurate, audit-ready batch and test records.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation; ensure measurement traceability and instrument qualification. Process Troubleshooting & Technical Support
• Investigate out-of-specification results and process deviations using structured root-cause analysis.
• Work with Production to diagnose mixing and processing issues, such as composition variance, blend uniformity, product stability, moisture or temperature effects, and raw-material variability.
• Recommend and help verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA); support reprocessing or disposition decisions.
• Support method development, validation, and transfer for new or revised products and processes. Facility, Equipment & Process Design Input
• Work with contractors and subject-matter experts to develop RDX, HMX, and LAP processes and future CMG facilities.
• Provide chemistry and materials-compatibility input on new equipment selection, equipment layout, and process flow for safe, efficient, and compliant production.
• Review proposed process changes (Management of Change) for impact on product quality, material compatibility, and analytical capability.
• Support commissioning, qualification, and startup of new processing and laboratory equipment. Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
• Support waste characterization, sampling, and monitoring programs, and assist with environmental reporting.
• Provide analytical data and technical input for permitting, recordkeeping, and compliance with applicable air, water, and waste regulations.
• Help ensure laboratory and production practices align with the facility’s quality system and regulatory obligations. Quality System & Safety
• Maintain laboratory documentation in accordance with the quality management system (e.g., ISO 9001; ISO/IEC 17025 where applicable).
• Participate in internal and external audits, specification reviews, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Strictly follow all site safety procedures for handling energetic and hazardous materials, including Process Safety Management practices, lockout/tagout, and required PPE.
• Promptly report hazards, near-misses, and incidents.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related physical science. Experience
• Minimum 3–5 years of analytical or QC laboratory experience, preferably in explosives, propellants, energetic materials, or another regulated chemical-manufacturing environment. Technical Skills
• Hands-on proficiency with standard analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC/GC, ion chromatography, FTIR/UV-Vis, titrimetry, Karl Fischer moisture, thermal analysis such as DSC/TGA, density and particle-size measurement).
• Working knowledge of quality systems, statistical process control, and root-cause/CAPA methodology.
• Familiarity with the regulatory framework governing explosives manufacturing and handling (e.g., ATF, DOT, OSHA PSM, EPA environmental regulations, and applicable NFPA standards).
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and the discipline to follow detailed procedures precisely.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Direct QA/QC experience with commercial or defense explosives, propellants, or other energetic formulations.
• Experience supporting facility or process design, equipment qualification, or technology transfer.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation and method validation.
• Familiarity with environmental permitting and hazardous-waste management programs.
• ATF employer-clearance eligibility (responsible/employee possessor as applicable). Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with rigorous attention to detail.
• Sound judgment when interpreting data and making product-disposition decisions.
• Clear technical writing and verbal communication; able to document findings for audits and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Production, Engineering, EHS, and R&D.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle concurrent testing priorities.
• High degree of personal accountability for safety and compliance. Working Conditions & Physical Demands
• On-site at CMG’s Ballinger, TX campus, with occasional travel (up to 10%) to customer, subcontractor, and government sites.
• Work is performed in laboratory and manufacturing settings that may involve exposure to chemicals, energetic materials, noise, temperature variation, and outdoor conditions.
• Required use of personal protective equipment per site procedures.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, perform fine manipulation of laboratory glassware and instruments, and lift or move materials up to 25 lbs.
• Must comply with all facility security, access-control, and explosives-handling requirements. Compliance & Eligibility
• Employment is contingent on the ability to meet applicable regulatory clearance requirements for working at a licensed explosives facility (e.g., ATF background screening).
• This position may be subject to substance-screening, security, and site-specific medical surveillance programs. This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Critical Materials Group reserves the right to amend this description at any time.