Supply Energetics is a U.S. manufacturing and technology company advancing the future of energetics and weapons systems. We combine precision engineering with modern production methods to deliver reliable, high-quality energetics for both commercial and defense partners.
About the RoleWe are seeking a high-trajectory technical leader to serve as our Vice President of Research & Development (IRAD). This is a role for a dynamic scientist-entrepreneur who is ready to own the strategic direction of our technical workstreams and bridge the gap between breakthrough research and scalable manufacturing. We are looking for an ambitious Principal Investigator (PI) who is currently "in the arena"-someone who has a recent, proven track record of winning and executing programs for DARPA, SERDP, or the DoD. This role is ideal for a rising star in the defense innovation ecosystem who possesses the technical depth to lead a lab and the professional hunger to scale a company from the ground up.
What You’ll DoLead Supply Energetics’ engagement with Congress, the Department of Defense, and relevant federal agencies.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities across defense programs, including appropriations, authorizations, and innovation pathways.
Develop and maintain relationships with key committees, congressional offices, and defense leadership.
Track and influence policy developments related to the energetics industrial base, munitions production, and defense supply chains.
Support strategy for engagement with programs such as APFIT, OSD R&E, and other defense innovation and industrial base initiatives.
Coordinate with internal leadership to align policy engagement with company strategy and manufacturing scale-up.
Represent Supply Energetics in industry groups, policy discussions, and national security forums.
Contribute to a culture that values pride in workmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement
Must Have
High-Impact Academic Foundation: PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with a focus on modern, applied research.
Active PI Experience: You have recently led (or played a primary role in) successful proposals for DARPA, SERDP, or similar high-stakes federal programs.
Modern Technical Literacy: Deep familiarity with current advanced manufacturing architectures and the "new" defense industrial base.
U.S. or Allied Citizenship: Ability to meet compliance requirements for defense-related work.
Operational Agility: A bias toward action and the ability to pivot quickly in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Nice to Have
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Experience in a high-growth startup or a "skunkworks" division of a larger firm.
Fresh Perspective: A desire to disrupt legacy manufacturing mindsets with modern, efficient R&D processes.
Strategic Vision: The ability to see where the defense industrial base is going, not just where it has been.
Competitive pay with performance bonuses.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
401(k) retirement plan with matching.
AD&D and life insurance.
Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
Learning stipends and opportunities for career growth.
A safety-first workplace built on rigorous standards and a culture of care.
A culture built on craftsmanship, innovation, and teamwork.
Skills Required
- PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- Recent PI experience leading successful DARPA, SERDP, or similar federal program proposals and execution
- Deep familiarity with advanced manufacturing architectures and the modern defense industrial base
- U.S. or allied citizenship able to meet compliance requirements for defense-related work
- Operational agility and ability to pivot quickly in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
What We Do
Supply Energetics is a U.S.-based manufacturing and technology company dedicated to modernizing energetics and weapons systems. The company focuses on advancing national security through innovative, reshored solutions and precision energetics manufacturing, including specialized nitrocellulose products. By integrating advanced manufacturing and automation, Supply Energetics provides safe, reliable, and scalable solutions for defense and aerospace applications to strengthen the United States and its allies.
