The future must be created.

01 THE ROLE

Chemistry is the invisible layer under every critical system, and the supply chain behind it has become a weapon. Ohr makes the molecules that matter most, from the atom up: energetics, propellants, rare-earth extractants and the ignition chemicals already in production today.

As a Senior Energetics Development Scientist, you own our energetics chemistry from bench to pilot. The legacy route to TATB depends on a chlorinated precursor sourced entirely from foreign manufacturers and leaves chloride in the finished material, where it becomes a long-term corrosion risk inside sensitive munitions. Our route starts from a precursor we make ourselves, is chlorine-free, and runs continuously rather than accumulating hazardous intermediate. The program goes from a 1 kg characterized sample in early 2027 to a validated 10 kg/day pilot plant in 2029. This role reports to the Director of Synthetic Chemistry and is the technical anchor for the energetics vertical.

THE KIND OF PEOPLE THIS WORK DEMANDS

Our mission demands more than great science. It requires a particular kind of team — visionary builders, hustlers, scientists, operators. Together, we carry both the technical depth to make the chemistry work and the commercial instinct to make the business thrive. People are our engine. Collaboration is our multiplier.

02 WHAT YOU'LL DESIGN AND BUILD

Own reaction design, data quality and technical progression for TATB and related insensitive high explosives, from route selection through scale-ready development

Direct the design of experiments that downselects the production pathway, including work carried out at partner laboratories, and own the kinetic and thermodynamic dataset that becomes the pilot design basis

Convert conventional batch exothermic and corrosive steps into continuous flow systems that never accumulate hazardous intermediate above the design inventory limit

Demonstrate control of crystal size and morphology across at least two target specifications, and carry that control from the bench into the pilot skid

Lead analytical assessment using DSC, TGA, XRD and SEM, alongside NMR, FTIR and quality and impurity testing

Support process development for crystallization and milling, and formulation into polymer bonded explosives, including qualification work against PBXN-7 and PBXN-12 and legacy systems such as PBX-9502 and LX-17

Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs and work instructions for energetics synthesis

Carry the chemistry into the engineering sequence: design reviews, HAZOP closure, safety loop verification, and the step-up from bench batches to sustained pilot production

Act as subject matter expert on energetics assessment and IP landscaping

Uphold and exemplify excellence in laboratory safety, chemical hygiene and responsible research practice

03 WHAT YOU BRING WITH YOU

You want real ownership. You are comfortable making technical decisions where not everything is predefined, and taking responsibility for whether a chemistry program succeeds. Academic, industrial or startup background all work here, as long as you are looking for a role where your judgment sets direction and your chemistry leaves the lab. You likely have:

A PhD in organic chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science with a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience focused on energetic material synthesis and handling, or a BS in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science with a minimum of 10 years of the same

Deep understanding of the chemistry of insensitive high explosives, with a proven track record in nitro-group chemistry and amination processes

Familiarity with energetic material sensitivity, thermal stability and compatibility considerations

Hands-on experience converting batch reactions to flow or continuous processes

Experience working with international technical teams or external partners, and directing work you do not personally execute

The ability to manage ITAR- and export-controlled information