Job Description

Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, and serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts. Whether we’re performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution. 

Summary

Estes Energetics is seeking a Quality Engineer responsible for ensuring product and process quality within an energetics manufacturing environment, including explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, or related energetic materials. This role supports compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing and inspection processes. The position requires strong technical rigor, documentation discipline, and a high level of safety awareness. This position is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of products manufactured in an energetics environment and offers the opportunity to contribute to mission-critical programs. 

 

Essential Functions    

Develop, implement, and maintain quality systems in compliance with ISO 9001/AS9100, customer specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., ATF, DoD, OSHA). Support manufacturing operations by ensuring process controls, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria are defined and followed. Conduct root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for nonconformances, defects, and customer complaints. Review and approve manufacturing procedures, inspection instructions, and quality records related to energetics production. Perform internal audits and support external audits (customer, regulatory, and certification). Analyze quality data and metrics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, EHS, and Supply Chain to ensure quality requirements are integrated throughout the product lifecycle. Support supplier quality activities, including supplier qualification, audits, and corrective actions. Participate in failure investigations, material review boards (MRB), and risk assessments (e.g., FMEA). Ensure strict adherence to safety, security, and handling requirements for energetic materials.  Competencies, Experience, and Education   

Required  

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline). 3–7 years of quality engineering experience in a regulated manufacturing environment. Working knowledge of quality management systems, inspection methods, and statistical techniques. Experience with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, SPC). Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively in high-hazard, safety-critical manufacturing environments. Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses including: Be 21 years of age or older. Pass pre-employment drug test. Pass State and Federal background checks  Desired  

Experience in energetics, explosives, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing industries. ASQ certifications such as: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Certified Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or DoD quality requirements. Experience with configuration management and controlled documentation systems. Knowledge of government contract requirements and customer quality clauses.

Work Environment   

The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors. 

 

Physical Demands   

Ability to work in manufacturing areas requiring PPE. Must be able to comply with all safety, security, and explosive-handling requirements. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and perform inspections in production environments. 

Travel   

Travel may be expected between Penrose and Pueblo Locations.

 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work   

This is a full-time position working a 9/80 schedule. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods.

 

Benefits   

Estes Energetics maintains a Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited time off 

 

Work Authorization  

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b. Must be able to hold a Department of War security clearance at the SECRET or higher level. 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program   

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: 

 

Other Duties   

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The pay range for this role is:
85,000 - 115,000 USD per year(Penrose)

PIf721f8e3f149-30492-39534633

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Local area,

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