Senior Chemical Process Engineer (Explosives)

As finalist in 2026 and 2025, as well as back-to-back winners of the 2023 and 2024 Defence Innovator of the Year, DefendTex lives and breathes its values of integrity, innovation, professionalism, passion and risk taking.
Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation, developing and delivering cutting-edge technologies for military and law enforcement communities across the globe.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Chemical Process Engineer (Explosives) to join our growing Propulsion Manufacturing team at DefendTex’s Dandenong South Facility initially, then moving to our state‑of‑the‑art Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facility in Lang Lang, Victoria.

Based at this strategically important site, this role offers the rare chance to contribute directly to Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of regional living within commuting distance of Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

About the Role

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.

Key responsibilities include:
• 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.

About You

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.

Essential:
• 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.

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

Why Us?

• 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 promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We value curiosity, integrity, and teamwork – and strive to create a workplace that supports both professional growth and wellbeing.

Interested?

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