Chief Chemical Engineer / Manager (m/f/d)

Fire Point Rocket Technology (FPRT) is a defense technology company at the intersection of advanced chemistry and modern rocket propulsion. We design and manufacture solid rocket fuel and propulsion components that power next generation defense systems, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and compliance.

FPRT is part of the international Fire Point Group and is the first Ukrainian defense company to open a production facility in the EU. Our new site in Vojens is being built as a state-of-the-art solid-fuel factory, including modern laboratories, production lines and attractive employee facilities (canteen, café, gym, wellness areas and outdoor spaces). Our ambition is significant: we are scaling from the early operational phase to 350+ employees within the next 18 months.

Our mission is clear: we develop technologies that help protect people, freedom and infrastructure. You will join a multicultural, highly skilled team where Purpose, Courage, Mastery and Trust shape how we work together.

As Chief Chemical Engineer / Manager, you will be the scientific authority for solid propellant production and a key leader in our production organization. You will have two direct reports (chemists/technologists) and report to the Chief Production Officer (CPO) based in Vojens, Denmark.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Own the chemistry of our solid propellants – develop, document, and validate all fuel formulations and recipe control standards
• Define and maintain critical process parameters (temperature, mixing time, vacuum, catalysts, etc.) and ensure robust process windows from lab scale to full-scale production
• Lead and manage the analytical laboratory: raw material testing, in-process testing, test methodologies, calibration, documentation, and data traceability
• Drive recipe change control – plan and execute pilot batches, validation, and transfer to production, including updates of SOPs and work instructions
• Conduct root-cause analysis in collaboration with Process Engineering and Maintenance to address recurring defects, quality deviations and process instability
• Ensure full batch traceability and strong HSE practices for hazardous materials (classification, storage, transport, and safe handling)
• Collaborate closely with Quality Control to define sampling plans, acceptance criteria and CAPA activities (Corrective and Preventive Actions)
• Contribute to supplier qualification and material approval, including definition and verification of technical specifications
• Continuously improve yield, scrap rate and recipe cost through optimization of formulations and process parameters
• Maintain and prepare documentation for ISO, AQAP and defense-quality audits related to chemical operations
• Lead, coach, and develop your team of chemists and technologists and help build a strong safety- and quality-driven culture on site

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on chemical leader who thrives in a high-tech, safety-critical production environment and enjoys building something new.

Background & experience
• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in chemical and/or polymer manufacturing
• Solid experience with solid propellants, energetic materials, composites and/or defence/aerospace materials (must have)
• Proven track record in scale-up from lab to industrial production, including definition of process windows and critical parameters
• Experience managing or leading an analytical laboratory and working closely with QC/QA
• Familiarity with ISO / AQAP / defence quality systems and safety regulations for hazardous substances
• Experience with SPC, root-cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA) and data-driven process improvements
• Working knowledge of MES/ERP systems and process data management is an advantage

Personal competencies
• High level of precision, accountability, and safety awareness – you do not compromise on quality or HSE
• Clear, structured communicator who can translate complex chemistry and data into practical decisions for production teams and management
• Strong people leadership skills – able to set direction, coach and develop specialists and technicians, and create engagement in a multicultural environment
• Emotionally resilient and comfortable working in a fast-paced, scale-up setting with changing priorities
• Curious, proactive, and solution-oriented, with a genuine interest in both technology and its real-world impact

At FPRT, you will join at a pivotal moment, where you can directly influence how processes, standards and culture are shaped in Denmark.

You can expect:

• A top market compensation package, including relocation support, pension, insurance, and modern IT equipment (laptop, phone)
• A high-impact leadership role with end-to-end responsibility for the chemistry of our solid propellants
• The opportunity to build and develop a modern lab and chemical operations team from an early stage
• A state-of-the-art facility in Vojens with attractive employee amenities (canteen, café, gym, wellness areas, lounge, and outdoor spaces)
• A multicultural and purpose-driven work environment, working alongside colleagues from Denmark, Ukraine and across Europe
• Strong growth and development opportunities as the site and organization scale in the coming years