Propellant Chemist, Staff - Solid Rocket Motors / SRM - Troy, AL Onsite

Standard Job Description

You will be the Propellant Chemist for the Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Product Center (PC) team working new development programs. Our team is developing the full technical data package for several new solid rocket motors including the motors design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing that will power today’s most demanding aerospace missions.

What You Will Be Doing

As the Propellant Chemist you will own the end‑to‑end creation of new propellant chemistries, working cross‑functionally with ballistics, energetics, and production partners to turn performance requirements into reliable, manufacturable hardware. Your responsibilities will include:

• Defining, refining, and documenting innovative propellant formulations that meet program performance targets.
• Partnering with the ballistics team to generate performance predictions and validate them against system‑level requirements.
• Collaborating with the Troy Energetics Laboratory to design, review, and execute comprehensive test plans for material characterization.
• Leading and mentoring fellow chemists within the SRM PC organization, fostering an inclusive, knowledge‑sharing environment.
• Presenting clear status updates at internal briefings and formal customer program reviews.
• Coordinating interface development with production manufacturers, guiding scale‑up, and overseeing partner propellant‑production procedures.
• Conducting trade studies, risk assessments, and failure‑mode analyses to identify and mitigate technical risk.
• Maintaining rigorous documentation, configuration control, and safety compliance throughout the development cycle.

Why Join Us

Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus. If you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.

We offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security. Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here.

Further Information About This Opportunity:

This position is in Orlando, FL. Discover more about our Orlando, Florida location.

MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN - This position is located at a facility that requires special access. The selected candidate must be able to obtain a secret clearance.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Chemisty or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program) with at least 8 years of experience in the field of solid rocket motor propellants
• Individual must be well versed in Solid Rocket Motor propellants and characterization of materials
• Experience leading Integrated Product Team (IPT) with minimal guidance or oversight on daily activities
• Experience in overseeing propulsion programmatic and technical planning/execution, program risk management, and program scheduling
• Competence in manufacturing execution systems, work-instruction management, and change control documentation
• Ability to read and understand technical data sheets and drawings
• Ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams - Full Lifecycle Development Experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical systems/programs
• Familiarity with statistical process controls, design of experiments (DOE), root-cause analysis techniques
• Knowledge of nondestructive evaluation methods (radiographic inspection, ultrasonic, etc.)
• Strong communication skills (both oral and written)
• Collaborative mindset for working with suppliers and contractors
• Ability to obtain government issued Security Clearance Desired Skills
• Candidate is expected to spend greater than 50% of time on travel, co-located with Propulsion Supplier(s)

Desired Skills

• Proposal Development Experience; Basis of Estimate (BOE) Development
• Technical team leadership experience
• Experience with design, build and full rate production of propulsion systems
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Chemisty or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent accredited degree program) with at least 12 years of experience in the field of solid rocket motor propellants