Sr Chemist - Propulsion (Contractor)

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream
We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.
At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn't restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.
We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.
About the Role
Do you have a passion to learn and test new ideas? Join our team of Scientists! As a successful Scientist, you will conduct research and development activities, including developing technical documentation for all projects. You will apply fundamental research, standards, and models when conducting experiments and targeted research activities. You will present research results and findings to internal and external customers, and assessing the scope of research projects to ensure projects are on time and within budget. You may also autonomously develop component and system-level design solutions of varying complexity using a combination of engineering work products. In addition, you may review and utilize specifications from various sources to ensure applicable provisions are utilized in detailed design phases.
Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement procedures and qualification activities for innovative chemical formulations for both green propellants (environmentally friendly options), and hypergolic propellants (high-performance fuels), and cryogenic propellants.
• Conduct comprehensive studies on the material compatibility, performance optimization, and safety aspects of these propellants.
• Support the design of experiments and execution of analysis for various other programs supporting environmental and thermal control systems as assigned
• Translate industry best practices, scientific literature and lab-based experiments into actionable technical recommendations to engineers across a variety of functions.
• Oversee the testing and evaluation of various experiments in laboratory settings, ensuring adherence to industry standards and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with engineers and other scientists to integrate propellant technologies into spacecraft design and development.
• Program calibration curves into analytical equipment utilizing internal and externally certified chemical standards.
• Conduct various analysis to support failure and root cause investigations
• Perform evaluation and qualification of new instrumentation.
• Develop methods and write standard operation procedures for analytical equipment.
• Verify accuracy of all production analysis performed on analytical equipment.
• Support laboratory operation and maintenance, ensuring efficient and safe execution of all tasks.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals to communicate findings and recommendations effectively.

Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Responsibilities:

• Expected to assist in the implementation of EHS Values and policy statements and accompanying principles.
• Comply with all department, facility, corporate and regulatory EHS regulations.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report all job-related illness and injuries (Per Employee Handbook).
• Report all safety, health and environmental concerns to your supervisor in a timely manner.
• Attend all EHS training.

About You
Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream - to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly - to join us on this transformational journey.
We're looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision, and audacious goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree a related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience
• Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of required education.
• Knowledge of scientific principles and practices
• Experience in designing and conducting scientific experiments
• Documented record of accomplishments in the relevant field
• Ability to solve moderate to complex analytical problems and provide solutions that meet technical objectives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field with a strong focus on propellants, fuels, or combustion with minimum 2 years of experience.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development team
• Familiarity with the formulation, testing, and analysis of propellants, including both green and hypergolic types.
• Familiarity with catalytic processes
• Experience in chemical analysis instrument operation and method development, such as ICP-MS, GC-MS, IC, FTIR or related techniques.
• Willing to train for and maintain DOT hazmat ground shipper certification.
• The ability to pass BATFE background check to obtain explosives credentials may be required
• Knowledge or experience applying process safety management (PSM), Hazard Analysis, process piping code, pressure vessel code, NFPA and AMSE codes for chemical processing facilities is a positive

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.
Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates are identified.
Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.