Synthetic Chemist

Synthetic Chemist - Develop the Chemistry Behind Next-Generation Energetics ManufacturingWaltham, Massachusetts | On-siteOpportunity SummaryJoin an early-stage defense technology company developing advanced chemical manufacturing systems for critical energetic materials. The company is combining chemistry, automation, and continuous processing to increase domestic production capacity for materials used across defense applications. As a Synthetic Chemist, you will own hands-on chemistry development at the front end of the technical pipeline. You will design and execute experiments, develop and optimize synthetic routes, investigate reaction mechanisms, and build the technical understanding required before chemistry moves into pilot-scale production. This is a highly experimental role centered on synthesis, reaction development, and problem solving at the bench. You will work closely with process development engineers and chemists to ensure laboratory discoveries can ultimately translate into safe, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing processes.About UsWe are a venture-backed defense manufacturing startup developing modular, highly automated production systems for energetic materials. The team is building new approaches to chemical manufacturing that combine continuous processing, advanced chemistry, and automation to improve production speed, safety, consistency, and scalability.Job DutiesDesign and execute laboratory experiments to develop and characterize chemical reactionsDevelop, evaluate, and optimize synthetic routes and reaction conditionsUse structured experimental approaches, including DoE and parametric studies, to understand key reaction variablesInvestigate reaction mechanisms, impurities, failure modes, and competing chemical pathwaysGenerate reliable experimental data that informs reaction design and future scale-upDevelop and apply analytical methods to evaluate reaction performance and product characteristicsUse tools such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, and related techniques to support chemistry developmentWork closely with process development teams as chemistry transitions from flask and small-reactor experiments toward pilot-scale systemsEvaluate thermal behavior, chemical stability, and process hazards throughout developmentTroubleshoot reactions, laboratory equipment, and experimental systemsIdentify opportunities to simplify chemistry, processing steps, and experimental workflowsClearly document results and communicate technical recommendations across chemistry and engineering teamsQualificationsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Catalysis, or a related field5+ years of professional experience in synthetic chemistry, reaction development, or closely related experimental R&DStrong hands-on experience with benchtop chemical synthesisExperience designing and optimizing reactions rather than primarily executing established proceduresStrong understanding of reaction chemistry, experimental design, and laboratory practicesWorking knowledge of analytical techniques such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, or FTIRStrong experimental troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsAbility to operate independently in a hands-on laboratory environmentAbility to lift up to 50 poundsAbility to work on-site and travel as neededMust meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements and be eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearancePreferred ExperienceContinuous-flow chemistry or flow reactor developmentReaction scale-up from benchtop experiments into larger laboratory or pilot systemsProcess chemistry or chemical process developmentNitration chemistry or other highly exothermic reactionsExperience working with energetic, hazardous, reactive, or toxic materialsAnalytical method development using HPLC, IC, NMR, ICP-OES/MS, DSC/TGA, or related techniquesExperience within pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, fine chemicals, energetics, propellants, explosives, or other chemistry-intensive manufacturing environmentsExperience working closely with process development or chemical engineering teams to transition chemistry toward productionWhy Join UsThis role offers significant ownership over chemistry that is intended to move beyond laboratory research and into real-world production.You will work at the point where fundamental chemistry decisions are made, with direct visibility into how your experimental work influences process development, pilot-scale systems, and future manufacturing.The environment is hands-on and highly technical, with close collaboration across chemistry, process engineering, automation, and hardware development.Early-stage equity and competitive benefits.Compensation Details$150,000 - $200,000