Senior Chemical Process Engineer (Explosives)

The Senior Chemical Process Engineer (Explosives) is responsible for establishing, commissioning, and optimising the chemical manufacturing processes used in the production of energetic materials and rocket propellants.
You'll lead process design, safety reviews, and scale-up of hazardous chemical systems, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation within a regulated defence manufacturing environment.

• Lead the design, commissioning, and optimisation of chemical process systems for propellant and explosives production.
• Establish compliant production capability aligned with safety and licensing requirements.
• Conduct process hazard analysis, HAZOPs, and implement safe operating procedures.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, batch records, and process documentation.
• Lead process troubleshooting, yield improvement, and scale-up projects.
• Support compliance with Defence, regulatory, and environmental requirements.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure process integrity.

You are an experienced process engineer who combines technical depth with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. You thrive in complex, high-hazard environments and are motivated by the opportunity to build world-class defence capability on Australian soil.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering (Process Design or equivalent).
• Experience in chemical or explosives manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in process design, scale-up, and optimisation.
• Experience with hazardous materials handling and process safety management.
• Knowledge of HAZOP, risk assessment, and compliance frameworks.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance and Explosives License.

• Experience in propellant, energetic, or chemical process environments.
• Familiarity with MHF compliance, environmental permitting, or Defence regulations.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within technical teams.

• Competitive remuneration.
• Opportunity to contribute to Australia's sovereign defence manufacturing capability.
• Career-defining project work in a national-first facility.
• Professional development and leadership growth pathways.
• Collaborative and innovative engineering culture.
• Based near Victoria's Bass Coast - enjoy coastal living with city access.

At DefendTex, we value diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We promote a workplace culture built on integrity, teamwork, and curiosity, where every individual contributes to our mission of advancing sovereign defence technology.

If you're ready to take on a technically challenging and nationally significant role in defence manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.

If this sounds like the role for you, please submit your resume and cover letter in the attached form, or emailing outlining your technical experience and why you're excited to join DefendTex. We look forward to your application.