Job Description
As finalist in **** and ****, as well as back-to-back winners of the **** and **** Defence Innovator of the Year, DefendTex lives and breathes its values of integrity, innovation, professionalism, passion and risk taking. Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation, developing and delivering cutting-edge technologies for military and law enforcement communities across the globe.
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We have an exciting chance for a Propellant / Rocket Motor Specialist to join our growing Propulsion Manufacturing team at DefendTex's Dandenong South Facility initially, then moving to our state-of-the-art Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facility in Lang Lang, Victoria.
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Based at this strategically important facility, the role offers the rare chance to work on advanced propellant formulation and small-scale motor development that directly contributes to Australia's sovereign defence manufacturing capability, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of regional living within commuting distance of Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.
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About the role
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As Propellant / Rocket Motor Specialist you will be the technical authority for propellant formulation and small-scale motor development. You will lead laboratory and pilot-scale trials, develop predictive models, and work closely with process, materials and production teams to translate formulations into production-ready processes.
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Key responsibilities
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Lead development and optimisation of composite and double-base propellant formulations.
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Design and execute lab and pilot-scale formulation trials; translate results to production processes.
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Develop and validate internal ballistics and ageing models; conduct simulation and performance prediction.
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Define ingredient specifications, batch records and safe material handling protocols.
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Support process scale-up, plant commissioning and handover to production.
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Plan and support static-fire testing, analyse results and close technical actions.
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Maintain detailed, auditable technical documentation and safety cases.
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Mentor junior scientists and technicians; promote best practice in explosives safety and record keeping.
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Collaborate with engineering, QA, HSE and operations to ensure producibility and regulatory compliance.
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About you
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You are a technically rigorous scientist or engineer with hands-on experience in energetic formulations and a strong safety mindset. You enjoy translating laboratory science into reliable, producible processes.
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Essential
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BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
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Experience formulating rocket propellants or energetic compositions (composite and/or double-base experience).
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Practical experience with lab and pilot-scale mixing, casting-bonding or processing methods.
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Experience in modelling or simulation of internal ballistics, burn rates or related performance metrics.
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Strong record keeping, data analysis and technical reporting skills.
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Formal explosives safety training desirable; strong commitment to explosives handling safety.
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Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Explosives License (where applicable) and Australian Defence Security Clearance.
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Desirable
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Experience supporting static-fire test programmes and analysing firing data.
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Familiarity with QA/QC for energetic materials and handover to production.
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Proficiency with MATLAB, internal ballistics codes or relevant simulation tools.
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Why us?
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Competitive remuneration and meaningful project work.
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Direct impact on Australia's sovereign defence capability and productionisation of novel technologies.
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Opportunity to work in a national-first facility with an experienced multidisciplinary team.
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Professional development, technical training and leadership opportunities.
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Cooperative, mission-driven culture that values innovation and responsible risk taking.
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Based near Victoria's Bass Coast - regional lifestyle with practical access to Melbourne.
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We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including First Nations people.
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📌 Propellant / Rocket Motor Specialist (Victoria)
🏢 DefendTex
📍 Victoria