Chemical Engineer II

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering, and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to warfighters. Our ethos of honesty, trust, transparency, and alignment guides everything we do, fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, customer satisfaction, and collaboration.

About the Role

Performs engineering work related to the operation of chemical plant equipment and processes. Maintains and operates chemical production equipment such as condensers, absorption and evaporation towers, columns, and stills. Coordinates maintenance and operation of chemical production equipment including mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, oxidation, hydrogenation, and polymerization. May specialize in processes pertaining to specific chemical products such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, or paper and pulp.

This role requires working knowledge and experience in the job discipline and broadens capabilities. It involves building knowledge of the company, processes, and customers, performing a range of assignments related to the job discipline, and using prescribed guidelines or policies in analyzing situations. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction, with consistent exercise of discretion and judgment.

Responsibilities

• Designs process flows and equipment layout for new or revised chemical process operations, including:
  • Designing equipment and processes that change the chemical properties of materials and ingredients (e.g., heating/cooling, oxidation, fermentation, hydrogenation, polymerization).
  • Planning the sequence of operations and specifying procedures for preparing materials and operating equipment.
  • Determining process design by balancing process cost, yield, worker safety/comfort, and material waste considerations.
  • Conducting tests throughout all stages of processing to determine control over applicable variables (e.g., temperature, pressure, density, viscosity) and troubleshoot/solve process problems.
• Leads the implementation, optimization, and long-term ownership of industrial surface finishing operations, including zinc phosphate pretreatment, paint application systems, and chemical process controls.
• Instrumental in commissioning a new automated coating system, developing process standards, supporting Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and ensuring the manufacturing process meets safety, quality, production, and environmental requirements from day one.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Engineering (required).
• 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
• Experience or knowledge in:
  • Chemical engineering.
  • Manufacturing process engineering.
  • Product development and prototyping.
  • Research and development.
  • Industry standards and scientific testing.
  • Oral and written communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Experience with industrial pretreatment and coating systems.
• Comfortable working on the manufacturing floor during equipment installation, startup, validation, and production ramp-up.

Physical Requirements

• Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• May need to stand for long periods of time.
• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.
• This position is Safety-Sensitive.

Travel Requirements

Up to 25% travel likely.

Benefits

We offer a robust total rewards package that includes compensation, healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits, as well as career development and recognition programs.