Where Molecular Science Meets Mach Speeds

Fire Point Rocket Technology is at the forefront of energetic materials and propulsion engineering. We specialize in the design and qualification of high-performance rocket engine components, transforming raw chemical formulations into flight-ready power.

We are seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to serve as the scientific authority of our production floor. In this role, you will own the chemistry of propulsion - from refining solid propellant formulations to mastering the variables of polymerization on an industrial scale. This is a role for a technical leader who thrives on solving complex root-cause problems and refuses to compromise on quality.

Join us, and let’s push the boundaries of what is chemically possible.

Reports to: Chief Production Officer (CPO)

Core Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and validate all fuel formulations and recipe control standards.

• Define and maintain critical process parameters (temperature, mixing time, vacuum, catalysts, etc.) and their tolerance ranges.

• Lead and manage the laboratory (raw material testing, in-process testing): test methodologies, calibration, documentation, data traceability.

• Oversee recipe change control – planning pilot batches, validation, updating SOPs, and transferring to production.

• Conduct root-cause analysis in collaboration with Process Engineering and Maintenance to address recurring defects and quality deviations.

• Ensure full batch traceability for all chemical operations.

• Manage risks related to hazardous materials – classification, storage, transport, and safe handling procedures.

• Collaborate with Quality Control to define sampling plans and acceptance criteria; lead and follow up on CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions) activities.

• Participate in supplier qualification and material approval, ensuring technical compliance with specifications.

• Continuously improve yield and reduce recipe cost through optimization of formulations and process parameters.

• Maintain documentation for audits (ISO, AQAP, and defense quality frameworks) related to chemical operations.

• Train and develop the team of chemists and technologists; define RACI within chemical processes.

Functional Scope

• Recipe Development & Scale-Up: from lab trials to full-scale production batches.

• Lab Management: analytical methods (chemical, rheological, moisture testing), lab equipment calibration and maintenance.

• Process Control: defining process limits, setpoints, and escalation procedures.

• Safety & Compliance: collaborate with HSE to define safe handling and emergency procedures for all chemical reagents.

• Supplier & Material Qualification: testing of new materials, defining specifications, ensuring supplier compliance.

• Data & Automation: use MES/PLC data to monitor process stability (yield, scrap, batch variability).

Decision-Making Authority

• Approve chemical formulations within defined governance.

• Authorize production stops related to chemical process deviations (in alignment with QC/HSE).

• Approve or modify laboratory methods and sampling procedures.

• Propose CAPEX investments for laboratory equipment and consumables.

• Initiate and validate corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) related to process chemistry.

Key Performance Indicators

• Yield rate – % of successful batches without defects.

• Scrap rate – % of rejected products after polymerization or NDT.

• Time-to-validate – from lab recipe to production readiness.

• Repeat root-cause incidents – number of recurring defects after corrective actions.

• On-time delivery of validated batch records to production.

• Compliance incidents – success on low number of recurrence HSE deviations.

• Lab result accuracy – repeatability and validation of analytical data.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: MSc/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields.

• Experience: 7+ years in chemical or polymer manufacturing; experience in solid propellants, composites, or defense/aerospace materials is a must have.

• Proven experience in scale-up from lab to industrial production.

• Experience managing analytical laboratories and QC interfaces.

• Familiarity with ISO, AQAP, or other defense quality systems would be an advantage.

• Working knowledge of MES/ERP systems and process data management is an advantage.

Professional Skills

• Deep knowledge of chemical formulations, polymerization, and reaction chemistry.

• Competence in statistical process control (SPC), root-cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA).

• Data analysis and reporting skills (Excel, BI tools, SQL).

• Strong process-thinking mindset — capable of translating lab data into production standards.

• Experience bridging R&D and production teams (lab-to-line integration).

Soft Skills

• Precision and accountability in a safety-critical environment.

• Clear and structured communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Leadership and team development abilities (coaching junior chemists and lab staff).

• Emotional resilience and ability to perform under operational pressure.

• High ethical standards and safety-first mindset.