Location: Los Angeles, CA & Mojave, CA
Ares Industries is a defense technology startup aiming to be the weapons prime of the 21st century. We are focused on delivering cutting-edge missile systems and building the critical weapons that the U.S. and its allies need to prevent global conflict. Our team is a group of aerospace nerds and engineers who believe in the power of engineering to shape geopolitics. At Ares, you will work in a high-intensity, engineering-driven environment where rapid iteration, real-world testing, and mission impact take priority over bureaucracy.
Are you an experienced ballistics expert with a deep understanding of solid rocket motor propulsion? We're looking for a Lead Ballistics Analyst to be our go-to expert for energetic materials, guiding their development from initial formulation to flight. If you're ready to lead a critical function, drive innovation, and provide essential technical direction, this is the role for you.
In this role, you'll be instrumental in bringing our next-generation propulsion systems to life. You'll have the unique opportunity to design, analyze, build and test solid rocket motors from the ground up.
What you'll do:
-- Serve as the primary subject matter expert for the formulation, analysis, and testing of energetic materials used in solid rocket motors.
-- Lead the development and optimization of robust manufacturing processes for energetic materials, ensuring quality, safety, and scalability.
-- Provide clear, concise, and timely technical leadership and guidance to project teams, keeping stakeholders informed on project progress, risks, and opportunities.
-- Design and oversee ballistic performance prediction, modeling, and simulation for solid rocket motors.
-- Develop igniters/ignition systems and ensure seamless integration with the flight vehicle leveraging cross-functional coordination
-- Analyze test data from propulsion system firings, interpret results, and recommend design improvements.
-- Drive innovation in energetic material development and solid rocket motor performance.
-- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the growth of our technical team.
What you'll bring:
-- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
-- Demonstrated experience in solid rocket motor development and troubleshooting performance issues.
-- Proficiency in ballistic modeling, simulation tools, and programming languages Matlab, Python, C++, Fortran or similar.
-- Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to provide clear technical direction and communicate complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
-- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
-- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Bonus points if you have:
-- Master’s degree or PhD in appropriate technical discipline.
-- 5+ years of experience directly related to solid rocket motor ballistics, energetic materials, and propulsion system analysis.
-- Deep technical knowledge of rocket motor design, propellant formulation, characterization, and manufacturing processes.
-- Hands-on experience with program/project work in applied R&D and / or production support.