Quality Specialist, Energetics

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming and periodic reacceptance testing of binder/polymer and other chemicals in accordance with approved specifications and test procedures.
• Conduct laboratory testing including titrations, viscosity measurements, moisture analysis, antioxidant-content testing, particle-size analysis, and other chemical or physical-property evaluations.

Perform lot-acceptance testing of raw materials

• Collect, identify, prepare, condition, and test samples generated during propellant mixing, casting, curing, and related manufacturing operations.
• Operate a parallel-plate rheometer and collect viscosity data during applicable mix and cast operations.
• Perform tensile, pull, and other mechanical-property testing using an Instron or similar universal testing machine.
• Evaluate peel-channel or bond-test specimens used to assess adhesion, cure, crosslinking, or other specified material characteristics.
• Operate a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer in accordance with approved test methods.
• Prepare test equipment and hardware for small scale asset testing and safely conduct motor firings within established training and authorization requirements.
• Verify test configuration, instrumentation, sample or article identification, and data-acquisition readiness before testing.
• Review laboratory test results for completeness, validity, and conformance to established requirements.
• Perform resistance and continuity checks on initiators and completed motor assemblies using approved equipment and procedures.
• Perform final visual inspections of completed motor assemblies for external damage, workmanship defects, assembly failures, contamination, identification issues, and other visible nonconformances.
• Review batch reports, manufacturing records, inspection results, and test documentation for completeness, accuracy, and traceability.
• Prepare and compile End Item Data Packages for completed motor assemblies.
• Initiate Discrepancy Reports for engineering evaluation and disposition as needed.
• Escalate abnormal, inconsistent, or invalid test results to Quality Engineering, Energetics Engineering, Manufacturing, or other appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintain laboratory and test equipment in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready condition.
• Support equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair coordination.
• Safely move and stage samples, test articles, completed motors, compressed-gas cylinders, and associated equipment.
• Maintain laboratory consumables, test supplies, sample containers, and routine inventory.
• Follow all applicable requirements for energetic-material handling, chemical safety, electrostatic-discharge control, grounding, personal protective equipment, hazardous operations, waste handling, and contamination prevention.
• Support laboratory housekeeping, cleaning, material movement, and 5S activities.
• Other duties as assigned by Quality Management.

Preferred

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, laboratory science, or a related technical field.

Required Qualifications

• Three or more years of relevant experience in laboratory testing, materials testing, chemical processing, energetic-material manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing, or manufacturing quality.
• Demonstrated ability to execute detailed inspection and test procedures accurately and consistently.
• Experience with technical laboratory equipment including: mechanical, thermal, and optical instrumentation.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, work instructions, acceptance criteria, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate material, sample, batch, and serialized-product traceability.
• Ability to recognize questionable or nonconforming results and clearly document observed conditions.
• Experience reviewing production, inspection, laboratory, or quality records for completeness and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Test personnel in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work safely around chemicals, energetic materials, specialized test equipment, and production hardware.
• Ability to perform the physical handling, equipment cleaning, housekeeping, and material-movement responsibilities associated with the role.
• Willingness to complete all required training and maintain authorization for assigned energetic-material and test operations.