Pyrotechnic Engineer

Title: Pyrotechnic Engineer
Location: Independence, MO

Salary: $101,300 - 152,000
Schedule: 980 schedule

Website: Winchestor.com

Focus: We are seeking a highly skilled Pyrotechnic Engineer with a specialized background in energetic systems to support the design, development, scale-up, and production of advanced tracer ammunition and related components for the Department of Defense (DoD). This critical role bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and full-scale industrial manufacturing. The successful candidate will lead the transition of pyrotechnic formulations from small-scale lab environments to robust, high-volume production lines, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with rigorous military specifications.

Pyrotechnic Engineer Essential Job Functions:

• Process Scale-Up: Design and implement robust manufacturing processes to transition pyrotechnic compositions from milligram-scale laboratory samples to multi-pound production batches.

• Design & Development: Support the engineering of pyrotechnic ammunition components, focusing on igniters and tracers.

• Production Support: Provide technical oversight on the manufacturing floor to troubleshoot issues related to pressing, loading, and assembly of energetic components.

• Safety & Compliance: Develop, maintain and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Hazard Classifications in accordance with DoD 4145.26-M (Contractors' Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives), and other site specific standards.

• Formulation Optimization: Refine pyrotechnic mixes to improve flowability, press-density, and ignition and burn-rate consistency during high-speed production.

• Validation & Testing: Lead lab testing, including sensitivity analysis (Impact, Friction, ESD), and field testing to ensure product performance over its lifecycle.

Pyrotechnic Engineer Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree* in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering.

• Minimum of 3+ years of professional experience in energetic materials, pyrotechnics, or explosives engineering.

• Firm understanding of operating procedures and regulations regarding the handling and storage of energetic materials.

• Track record of transitioning chemical or energetic processes from lab-scale to pilot or full-scale manufacturing desired.

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage high-volume workload, and willingness to be collaborative and support team efforts.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.

• Must possess a valid US driver's license.

• Some travel may be required: less than 5%.

Location-Specific Requirements:

• This position requires successful vetting as an Employee Possessor in accordance with U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

• This position requires access to ITAR controlled technical data, and as such, employment will be contingent upon the candidate's ability to access ITAR controlled technical data pursuant to an export license approved by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, if required.

• This position requires successful vetting for unescorted access in accordance with U.S. Army and Department of Defense access policies. The US Government does not allow non-US citizens on-site at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Therefore, to be considered in the hiring process, the candidate must be a US citizen.

Strong Careers Grow Here
Olin fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, where you are encouraged to join or lead our Olin People Networks. These voluntary groups connect employees across sites, divisions and functions to strengthen connections, belonging, and community involvement.

Rooted in our corporate values, Olin continues to be the global leader in both ammunition and chemical manufacturing. We invest, recognize, and reward the talents and contributions of our employees, empowering over 8,000 global individuals to make an impact both at work and in surrounding communities.

*Degree must be from a school that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education of the U.S. Department of Education or equivalent program from an international university.

Olin does not provide any form of sponsorship. We will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN or who need sponsorship now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Olin is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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