Hybrid Lead Chemical Technician chez Estes Energetics

Summary

Estes Energetics is seeking a Lead Chemical Technician to coordinate and manage the technical team in standing up and operation of company facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and operating pilot operations for various chemical production efforts including oxidizers, explosives, black powder, and special projects. The Lead Chemical Technician will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality control, and research & development, to stand up these systems and facilities.

Essential Functions  

This job requires working with hazardous materials. Teamwork is especially important in all aspects of the job as we strive for safety.

• Work with the engineering team to develop technical solutions supporting the development of pilot line equipment and unit operation systems.
• Help develop and manage pilot plant workflows, schedules, and SOPs to help synchronize and deconflict various lines of effort.
• Manage and coordinate technical personnel to support:
• • Installation, repair, and maintenance of piping systems, including threading and assembling NPT, plastic piping (PEX, PVC, CPVC), and sanitary pipe fittings.
  • Maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, and general hardware components.
  • Assembly and installation of structural systems using materials like Unistrut, t-slot framing, concrete mounting, and basic carpentry.
• Support day-to-day operations of our pilot plant by assisting the engineering team with running equipment and helping to resolve issues as they arise.
• Maintain and organize spare parts inventory, ensuring availability of critical components for operations and repairs.
• Cooperate with team members to ensure adherence to industry standards in safety, quality, performance, and reliability.

Competencies, Experience, and Education   

Required

• Experience managing and leading manufacturing personnel.
• 5-10+ years of experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, chemical engineering, quality, safety or a similar field. Note that internship experience, undergraduate research, university design teams, or personal projects in these areas may be considered as counting towards this goal.
• Experience managing budgets and schedules in a manufacturing setting.
• Eagerness to learn new ideas and put them into practice.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including:
• • Be 21 years of age or older.
  • Pass pre-employment drug test.
  • Pass State and Federal background checks.
• US Citizen

Desired

• Experience with welding techniques (e.g., MIG, TIG, or stick).
• Basic machining skills, including the ability to operate machines like lathes or mills.
• Basic knowledge of electrical systems and the ability to troubleshoot electrical issues.
• Hands on skills such as machining, prototype fabrication, carpentry, electronics, etc. 
• Interest in performing both conceptual tasks and hands-on tasks.
• Ability to be a self-starter and solve complex problems from first principles with minimal supervision, both independently and as a member of a team.

Supervisory Responsibility

Managerial/supervisory role for operators/technicians working on development and pilot production efforts.

Work Environment

The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors.

Physical Demands

• Sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Use of mouse/computer keyboard
• May have to lift up to 50 pounds
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location

Travel

This position may require minimal travel (<10%) to support the engineering team as required.

Supervisory Responsibility

Managerial/supervisory role for operators/technicians working on development and pilot production efforts.

Work Environment

The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors. This is a fulltime position. Working a 9/80 schedule

Physical Demands

• Sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer

• Use of mouse/computer keyboard

• May have to lift up to 50 pounds

• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment

• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location

Travel

This position may require minimal travel (<10%) to support the engineering team as required.

Benefits

Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance

• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company.

• 401(k) retirement plan with 7% company match with vesting at 30 days

• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy

Work Authorization

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.