Senior Chemist Technician

Amentum is actively seeking a Senior Chemist Technician to support active contracts in Huntsville, AL. The Senior Chemist supports the delivery of Homemade Explosives (HME) training courses by providing classroom and practical instruction associated with explosives chemistry. The Senior Chemist prepares hazardous precursor materials and improvised explosive charges and other advanced duties as directed. Candidates with experience synthesizing explosives mixtures and/or forensic examination of explosive mixtures are preferred. Knowledge and experience in the forensic examination of controlled substances is also preferred.

The chemist will be required to support specific training modules. The following is a list of training modules the chemists will be required to support:

• Chemical Instrument Training lecture. The proper use, maintenance, calibration and operation of the Thermo Fisher Trudefender RMX, Firstdefender FTX and Gemini. The chemist will also provide instrument support to the students during scenarios.
• Drug and Explosives Lab lecture. Chemical precursors overlap (drug and improvised explosives laboratories.)
• HME Training Laboratory demonstrations. Chemical precursor and explosive synthesis processes will be discussed in a laboratory setting in detail. Several chemistry demonstrations will be performed.
• Student Mixing demonstration. The students will prepare explosive mixtures under the guidance of chemists.

Additional chemist responsibilities include:

• Maintenance, calibration and service of all chemical instruments used in the HME training course. These instruments include the following instruments: Thermo Fisher Trudefender RMX (Raman), Thermo Fisher Firstdefender FTX (FTIR), and Thermo Fisher Gemini (tandem Raman-FTIR)
• Monitoring and tracking inventories of chemicals and materials that support the chemist's mission with the HME class.
• Collection of data regarding the success/failure rate of the HME demonstration shots.
• Assisting the ATF scientists with special projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must not be prohibited for possessing and transferring explosive materials as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1102, Chapter 40.
• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university in:
• Chemistry (emphasis in analytical chemistry is preferred)
• Forensic Science (with analytical chemistry emphasis)
• A minimum of 5 years of directly related experience working with explosives, as a chemist, in a government forensic science laboratory or a government explosive research facility.
• Proficiency working with chemistry instrumentation: Thermo Fisher Trudefender RMX (Raman), Thermo Fisher Firstdefender FTX (FTIR), and Thermo Fisher Gemini (tandem Raman-FTIR) experience is specifically sought
• Experience synthesizing and/or formulating explosive materials.
• Experience in handling explosive materials.
• Experience chemically analyzing explosives.
• Experience with the sensitivity testing of explosives.
• Experience writing technical documents related to test plans, safety
• programs and policy, procedures, and guidelines.
• Microsoft Office Suite qualifications.
• Strong research, verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to converse courteously with advanced-level students who can be vocal in their opinions.
• Willingness to continue education
• Eligible for both US Tourist Passport and US Official Passport
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret US Government Clearance (Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret Clearance)

Compensation Details:
$110,000 - $115,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:
01/26/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters .