Do you want to make explosives safer for our soldiers? Do you thrive in developing new molecules and formulations and seeing those efforts transition to commercialized products? BAE Systems, one of the world's largest defense contractors and a stable Fortune 500 Company, is hiring an R&D Pilot Plant Technician to help us develop, test, and bring to market new energetic materials and formulations. Our innovative and diverse group invented and commercialized IMX-101 and IMX-104, safer alternatives to TNT and Comp B. Our growing team of scientists and technicians from all across the country work closely together in our research facility surrounded by a nature preserve in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee.
We are seeking a detail oriented, highly organized team member to support the R&D Pilot Plant by performing routine and non-routine chemical, physical, and instrumental operations in our Pilot Plant facility. In addition, this position will assist in pilot plant planning and PHA's as well as basic departmental Safety functions. (Non-chemistry) R&D's pilot plant primarily supports internal R&D programs, but is also the qualified manufacturing facility for many new upcoming materials and formulations. We also provide technical support to Production in the manufacturing of energetic materials and energetic formulations, Quality control and assurance, Safety assurance, and Environmental compliance when needed.
The successful candidate will, under their own initiative, have the following:
- Ability to safely handle a variety of chemicals.
- Ability to read and comprehend technical documents such as explosive / chemical manufacturing procedures, test procedures, specifications, ASM's and SDS's.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to write legibly.
- Ability to complete duties outlined in established standards, codes, and safe work practices and procedures.
- Ability to handle hazardous/corrosive chemicals and to process them in accordance with written procedures.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Routinely lift and/or move 25 - 50 pounds.
- Ability to climb stairs or ladders.
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, coveralls, gloves, Tyvek, respirator, etc...
- Ability to speak and hear communication via telephone, 2-way radio, and in person.
- Ability to differentiate colors for evaluations of product, test results, and monitoring of reactions.
- Ability to work 10-12 hour shifts, with occasional overtime as needed.
BAE Systems helps protect those who protect us. At our R&D and pilot plant facility at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, TN, we do this by developing safer explosives for our government and commercial customers. Holston AAP has provided high quality explosives for our soldiers since WWII and will continue to push the frontier of energetic material synthesis and manufacturing with your help. Learn more about this area of our business at www.baesystems.com/OSIjobs.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Required experience must include 2+ years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
Must have basic computer/data entry skills and familiarity with Microsoft EXCEL and WORD. Must have the ability to perform mathematical computations.
Must possess a good understanding of the principles of chemical manufacturing and have excellent communication skills.
Must be able to effectively work in a dynamic team environment while also being able to work independently.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Desired Qualifications include; 2+ years of experience in an energetic manufacturing environment, or related field, experience with various forms of hazard analysis techniques, advanced computer skills, technical writing and data recording and analysis are an advantage.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $46898 - $75035
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Skills Required
- 2+ years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
- Basic computer and data-entry skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
- Ability to perform mathematical computations
- Understanding of chemical manufacturing principles
- Ability to safely handle hazardous and corrosive chemicals according to written procedures
- Ability to read and comprehend technical documents, manufacturing procedures, test procedures, specifications, ASM documents, and SDSs
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Ability to work 10–12-hour shifts and occasional overtime
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift or move 25–50 pounds, and climb stairs or ladders
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respirators
- 2+ years of experience in energetic manufacturing or a related field
- Experience with hazard analysis techniques
- Advanced computer skills
- Technical writing and data recording and analysis experience
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is presented as comprehensive, paired with an EAP, fertility and transgender care options, and HSA‑compatible plans that can include employer contributions with coverage starting on day one in some cases. These resources are reinforced by wellness tools and immediate eligibility noted on official benefits materials.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) savings plan is broadly available, with employer matching and other contributions that vary by business unit, and some U.S. employee groups retain pension arrangements. Company‑paid basic life insurance equal to 2x base salary (up to $1M) further strengthens financial security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave (e.g., 160 hours for full‑time employees) sits alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and Bright Horizons backup child and elder care. These benefits help reduce care gaps and complement PTO and applicable state programs.
BAE Systems, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.
Why Work With Us
We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.








