Chemical Engineer

Darwin Space are currently hiring for a Chemical Engineer on behalf of a business in Germany.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, formulate, prepare, and improve solid propellants for different propulsion requirements.
• Plan and conduct laboratory experiments, characterise materials, and document results clearly.
• Work with propulsion engineers to connect formulation, processing, material properties, and motor performance.
• Support incoming-goods inspection, supplier engagement, and the evaluation of specialist chemicals and raw materials.
• Investigate unexpected results, non-conformances, processing issues, and material compatibility questions.
• Improve laboratory procedures, equipment capability, data quality, safety, and the scale-up of successful formulations.

What we are looking for

• A degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, polymer science, energetic materials, or a related field.
• Hands-on laboratory or process-development experience for solid propellants.
• Strong understanding of chemistry, materials behaviour, experimental design, and laboratory safety.
• A careful and methodical approach to traceability, measurement quality, process control, and documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to investigate unexpected results.
• The ability to work collaboratively with propulsion, test, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams.

Desirable Experience

• Solid rocket propellants, binders, oxidisers, metallic fuels, catalysts, or energetic materials.
• Propellant characterisation, burn-rate measurement, thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical testing, ageing, or compatibility.
• Scaling a formulation or laboratory process toward repeatable production.
• Incoming-material inspection, chemical quality control, supplier qualification, or non-conformance investigation.
• Hazardous chemicals, explosives, or regulated laboratory processes.
• Laboratory data systems, statistical analysis, or Python-based data processing.