Senior Scientist

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril’s Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) is a division with two missions: 1) build highly capable autonomous drones, and 2) build solid rocket motors at scale. We transform products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt, and Altius from early concepts into fully operational capabilities by partnering closely with specialist engineering, operations, and production teams. Through our Anduril Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) team, we design and manufacture solid rocket motors using advanced materials, proprietary formulations, and high-volume production methods—delivering safe, reliable propulsion systems that support a wide range of mission requirements. TRS hires software engineers & hardware engineers, who are excited to build across a diverse and powerful portfolio—from autonomous aerial systems to high-performance solid rocket motors. Our teams contribute to highly capable autonomous robotics systems and propulsion products that operate reliably in the most demanding mission environment.

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril – Rocket Motor Systems is seeking a Lead Scientist to join our organization. The Rocket Motor Systems business line designs, develops, and manufactures next-generation solid rocket motors for defense and space applications. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with numerous types of energetic materials and demonstrated expertise in one area of solid composite propellant manufacture and formulation. This role requires considerable knowledge of energetic materials chemistry, significant experience in rocket motor manufacturing, and demonstrated effectiveness as the principal investigator on internal research and development efforts.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Execute production rocket motor contracts as the program propellant chemist.
• Act as the principal investigator on at least one internal research and development effort.
• Provide technical guidance on explosives chemistry and manufacturing.
• Maintain databases and analyze technical data to ensure specification and regulatory compliance.
• Support implementation of innovative techniques and technologies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field plus two years of experience; or a master’s degree plus four years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree plus six years of experience.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience within the aerospace/defense industry, preferably in solid rocket motor production.
• Demonstrated expertise in some area of rocket motor manufacture, e.g., composite propellants, energetic materials, case/nozzle/insulation design, solid rocket motor manufacturing.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, challenging environment.
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret Security Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in energetic materials, polymer chemistry, or reactive materials.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience within the aerospace/defense industry, preferably in solid rocket motor production.
• Demonstrated experience formulating propellants at laboratory or production size.
• Active DOD Secret or Top-Secret security clearance.
• At least one publication or presentation within the defense industry in a relevant journal or at a relevant conference.