Sr. Scientist - Energetics Development

Company: NES Fircroft
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 7, 2026

Job Description:

Senior Scientist, Energetics Development Work Type: Full-Time, Onsite (5 days per week) Sector: Energy, Power, Defense, Aerospace Location: Denver, CO or San Diego, CA  NES Fircroft is a leading global technical recruitment company providing professional contract and permanent staff to a diverse world-wide client base within the energy industry. Our client, a pioneering start-up creating innovative and proprietary chemistries that will create a sustainable pathway for alternative fuels and rare earth minerals, has a permanent opportunity for a Senior Scientist, Energetics Development to be based in San Diego, CA, or Denver, CO. Job Summary Our client is pioneering a new approach to chemical manufacturing through an advanced platform that combines biological intelligence with synthetic chemistry to produce essential molecules in cleaner, more efficient ways. Their technology enables the development of strategic chemicals with deterministic carbon chains and minimal contaminants, reducing reliance on traditional oil-based supply chains. The organization focuses on scalable chemistry solutions spanning advanced synthesis pathways, catalysis, and industrial process design, supporting applications across fuels, advanced materials, and critical industrial sectors. Position Overview The Senior Energetics Development Scientist will lead energetics chemistry development programs, owning reaction design, analytical evaluation, and process progression from discovery through scale-ready development. This role serves as a technical anchor within the energetics product vertical, operating with significant autonomy in laboratory environments while guiding technical strategy across development programs. The successful candidate will translate first-principles chemistry into scalable technologies, supporting reaction optimization, process development, and commercialization pathways. Key Responsibilities Design and optimize scalable synthetic routes for energetic materials and related chemical systems Execute reaction development including solvent selection, catalyst evaluation, kinetic analysis, and operating condition optimization Convert conventional batch exothermic and corrosive reactions into flow or continuous processing systems Conduct analytical evaluation of energetic materials using DSC, TGA, XRD, and SEM Perform quality analysis and impurity profiling for energetic compounds Support crystallization, milling, and polymer bonded explosive formulation processes Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions for energetics synthesis Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on energetics characterization and intellectual property landscape Uphold best practices in laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and responsible research Required Qualifications PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science with 5 years of post-graduate experience focused on energetic material synthesis and handling OR BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science with 10 years of post-graduate experience in energetic material synthesis and handling Strong technical understanding of Insensitive High Explosives (IHE) chemistry Demonstrated experience with nitro-group chemistry and amination processes Knowledge of energetic material sensitivity, thermal stability, and compatibility considerations Experience converting batch chemical reactions to flow or continuous processing systems Experience working with international technical teams or external partners Ability to manage ITAR-controlled or export-controlled information Preferred Qualifications Experience with polymer-bonded explosives (PBX) formulation and casting Familiarity with Department of Defense explosive safety standards (DoD 4145.26, MIL specifications) Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one Key Competencies Process safety and risk management Continuous improvement mindset Cross-functional collaboration Strong documentation and regulatory compliance Ability to operate in high-hazard laboratory and manufacturing environments Experience working in hands-on work in HazMat and energetics laboratories handling flammable, corrosive, and hazardous materials Ability to travel approximately 10% to support partners, collaborators, or facilities  Why Join Us Own programs end-to-end - Lead energetics chemistry programs from reaction discovery through scale-ready process development rather than supporting a narrow segment of the workflow. Work at the frontier of applied chemistry - Develop novel energetic materials and synthetic pathways using advanced catalysis, reaction engineering, and process design. Direct impact on critical industries - Contribute to technologies supporting defense, materials, and strategic chemical supply chains. Operate in a high-autonomy R&D environment - Scientists are trusted to drive experimental direction, generate insights, and guide technical decisions. Build scalable technologies - Move beyond bench chemistry by translating discovery work into manufacturable processes and flow-based systems.  This is an excellent opportunity to join a pioneering start-up with innovative clean energy startup that will create a sustainable pathway for critical minerals and alternative fuels. The successful applicant will receive a competitive compensation package, potential equity, comprehensive medical benefits, PTO, holidays, and more. Candidates must have authorization to work in the U.S. without a visa or ongoing work permit. For more information on this opportunity or others, please contact Mishu Ventura.  With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

Keywords: NES Fircroft, Palm Springs , Sr. Scientist - Energetics Development, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California