Chemist jobs in Decatur, AL

For more than 30 years, ERC has been delivering the advantage needed to solve our customers’ and the nation’s toughest challenges.  ERC is a trusted partner to the Defense and Space communities.  We provide the advanced engineering, innovative technology, and subject-matter expertise to deliver the mission results our customers need to keep the nation safe and secure.  Our unique solutions enhance readiness, optimize performance, and help ensure success in the air, on the ground and in space. 

An essential part of our success is our corporate culture built on respect, empowerment, and collaboration. Our culture elevates our people, ensuring they provide best-in-class service and solutions to our customers. We always strive to do the right thing. We believe that are our people are our best asset and human connection our greatest strength.

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Your role:

The Chemist will become a member of highly specialized team in the Energetic Materials Division, supporting the research and development of U.S. Army rocket motors.

What you’ll do all day:

• The Chemist will provide an array of support for the research and development of U.S. Army Energetics, which may include: missile propellants, casings, nozzles, and igniters, warheads, and other energetic materials.  Daily responsibilities include performing precision weighing operations and mixing chemical ingredients. 
• Prepare hazardous chemical materials to include weighing, drying, grinding, mixing, casting, and de-tooling/finishing solid rocket motors and transferring and mixing hypergolic liquid and gel propellants. 
• Perform propellant mixing, casting, and loading. 
• Perform propellant performance testing and analysis. 
• Assist with data evaluation, interpretation, and documentation of different types of high performing missile propulsion systems including solid, liquid/gel, and air breathing propulsion systems. 
• Learn and utilize high pressure plumbing skills such as installing and replacing valves, piping, and tubing if needed. 
• Maintaining MS Excel spreadsheets for parts and inventory ordering; handling and disposing of hazardous materials in support of operations; troubleshooting both electrical and mechanical problems; stocking spare parts, new parts, and maintenance supplies in support of existing and new projects. 
• Will listen to and follow directions, learn, and operate while maintaining a safe and organized work area, and communicate effectively in a fluid, multi-tasked, team environment. 
• Job duties will include mall scale synthesis, chemical analyses using common analytical techniques, carrying out routine safety testing of known and novel energetic materials, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and reporting results through regular oral and written communication with senior scientists and engineers. 
• Assist with database input and management. 
• Perform ammunition and explosives inventory. 
• May operate graphical user interfaces of software used for collection and analysis of propulsion system performance predictions and test data. 
• May perform data evaluation, interpretation, and documentation of different types of systems. 
• May use software to analyze test data and make propulsion system performance predictions. 
• May design, plan, and perform on a variety of different systems including facilities and structures used for tactical missile propulsion research and development. 
• May assist with facilities planning and set up for energetic materials research, development, test, and engineering. 
• The job will entail other duties as assigned.

You will love this job if you:

• Are a self-starter and require little oversight to complete given tasks?
• Enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
• Love working with diverse groups of individuals, including engineers and technicians.
• Are good at communicating with people.
• Have a positive attitude.
• Enjoy multitasking.

Minimum requirements for this position:

• Bachelors’ of Science Degree in relevant discipline required (i.e. Chemistry, Biology, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering, etc.).
• 4 or more years of experience required.
• With proper training, oversight, and safety measures, must be able to work with and around hazardous propellant/explosive/energetic materials.
• Must be able to work in a rugged environment and lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to participate as a team member.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Good interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use Spreadsheet, Word Processor, Database, & Email.
• Ability to obtain certification in handling Ammunition and Explosives.
• With proper training, oversight, and safety measures, must be able to work with and around hazardous propellant/explosive/energetic materials.
• Must be capable of becoming certified in the use of a Respirator, if required.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time if required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants)

Desired skills and experience for this position:

• Previous experience in the research and development of missile/rocket motors in highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of initiation mechanisms in energetic materials highly preferred.
• Hands on experience with propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics highly preferred.
• Experience working directly with government and/or military customers preferred.
• Experience processing propellant/explosive/energetic materials highly preferred.
• Familiarity with formulation of propellant/explosive/energetic materials highly preferred.

What we offer:

• Competitive salaries.
• Continuing education assistance.
• Professional development allotment.
• Multiple healthcare benefit packages.
• 401K with employer matching.
• Paid time off (PTO) along with federally recognized holiday schedule.