Lead Energetic Materials Engineer

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle is currently seeking a Lead Energetic Materials Engineer. This is an on-site position located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

Battelle's Infrastructure Security and Protection Security Division provides research development test and evaluation services to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The successful candidate for this position will support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) Energetic Materials Research Laboratory (EMRL).

**Please note, this position is contingent upon Battelle receiving a contract award. Final hiring decisions will depend on organizational needs and candidate qualifications, with employment commencing only after the award is confirmed.

Responsibilities

• Lead all explosives effects research at the TSL, including Homemade Explosives sensitivity analysis, scale-up testing, thermal stability testing, and modeling and simulation work.
• Lead development of test plans, reports, presentations, laboratory safety assessment plans, standard operating procedures and other support documentation.
• Interface to the Government client for all related work activities.
• Supervise 2 to 3 staff in support of this work.
• Follow and update existing, or develop new, EMRL standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Maintain currency in chemical, radiation and laser safety, and explosive handling as mandated by the TSL procedures and training.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Follow safety guidelines for handling of, and exposure to, hazardous chemicals both inside and outside of a fume hood, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, protective eyewear, and lab coat.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related fields with 5 years of experience or master's degree in related field with 2 years of experience or PhD; or an equivalent combination of education and or experience in a related field.
• Must have knowledge and/or experience with industrial chemical and mixing formulation for explosives ingredients, safe handling of energetics.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in techniques such as vibrational spectroscopy, particle size analysis, sensitivity testing (i.e., electrostatic discharge, friction, thermal stability) for materials characterization and analysis.
• Must have a strong background in thermal analysis, kinetics, and calorimetry of energetic materials/explosives using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) is preferred.
• Knowledge and ability to produce homemade explosives (HME).
• Experience determining the sensitivity and stability of improvised explosives/HME's due to impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, thermal changes, etc.
• Experience maintaining and operating friction, electrostatic discharge, impact, and thermal sensitivity test fixtures.
• Experience conducting elemental composition, explosive potential, and/or detection probability of liquid and solid energetic materials.
• Follow best laboratory practices with strong attention to detail; perform independent syntheses and research with minimal or no supervision.
• Experience with development and application of test instrumentation techniques.
• Experience with small scale and scaled-up HME preparation/safety testing/evaluation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, team oriented, detail oriented, and customer focused.
• Experience with MS Office applications.
• Sole US Citizenship with eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain DOD Secret Security Clearance and DHS Suitability.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in related fields with at least twelve (12) years of experience or master's degree with at least six (6) years of experience or a Ph.D. with at least one (1) year of experience in explosives safety testing, advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with modeling and simulation of Explosive Effects.
• Active DHS Suitability.
• Active Secret Clearance.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers