Analytical Chemist

About the role

We are seeking an experienced analytical chemist who will own the product characterization and testing function. This role stands between process R&D and final product acceptance. Because ATP's manufacturing methods are novel, most of what you build will not exist yet. You will develop and validate the methods that characterize specific intermediates, impurities, and product of interest, generate the data package that supports first-article certification, and author the analytical sections of required documentation for regulations. The role has a high degree of ownership: you will be specifying and procuring instrumentation, writing SOPs from scratch, and defending your methods to numerous reviewers in addition to executing existing analytical plans. This role will also be the main "quality" czar in our chemistry labs: you will be responsible and held accountable for analytical reproducibility, and will work with scientists to understand potential issues either with hardware or methods that could slow down analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop HPLC, GC, and LC-MS methods for reaction intermediates that have no established analytical precedent
• Build NMR methods for quantitative conversion analysis
• Specify, procure, install, and qualify instrumentation for analytical chemistry
• Characterize particle size and morphology by laser diffraction and microscopy in support of granulation control
• Apply DSC, TGA, and FTIR to characterize thermal behavior and crystal properties of materials
• Rigorously maintain analytical equipment (include frequent running of standards, audits of instrument calibration and quality, LOD/LOQ thresholds, reproducibility)
• Carry out MIL-SPEC testing procedures in collaboration with external parties and technicians internally on routine product sample generation
• Automate data analysis pipelines so scientists can iterate quickly and view historical data with ease

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or PhD in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in chemical process development
• Demonstrated experience with method development and validation as well as equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated experience with rigorous data analytics tools
• Ability to work hands-on in laboratory, fabrication, and plant environments
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• U.S. Person and ability to obtain a security clearance
• Ability to work on-site and travel as needed

This position requires access to information and technology protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to these regulations, applicants must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 CFR 120.62, which includes (i) U.S. citizens or nationals, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), (iii) refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in analytical chemistry for quality control of energetic materials: familiarity with method development on HPLC, IC, NMR, ICP-OES/MS, DSC/TGA, etc.
• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC testing procedures
• Prior experience developing energetic materials, propellants, or other regulated/high-hazard chemistries
• Experience standing up laboratory and analytical facilities from scratch, in addition to maintaining them

Pay

Compensation Range: $120K - $145K