Lead Propellant Engineer

Job Description

Job Description: Lead Propellant Engineer

Location: Broomfield, CO

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

About the Role

Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Lead Propellant Engineer to lead the propellant development for our high-Mach propulsion products. You will be responsible for developing, mixing, testing, and qualifying solid propellants including AP-based booster grains.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and mix AP/HTPB propellants.

• Develop fuels for air-breathing combustors.

• Perform rheology, cure kinetics, and mechanical property testing.

• Support casting trials, vacuum degassing, and tooling development.

• Manage lab safety, ATF/OSHA compliance, and traceability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Energetics.

• 3-10 years of experience in solid propellant development.

• Hands-on mixing/casting experience.

• Knowledge of metal fuel combustion.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Energetics.

• 10+ years of experience in solid propellant development.

• Experience in ducted rocket fuels or metallized ramjet formulations.

• Experience scaling bath size or optimizing cure cycles.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Active U.S. government security clearance.

Salary Range

• $140k-$185k

ACX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.