Warhead & Energetics Lead

The MandateYour job is simple and serious: design the warhead that makes the system effective.Wild West Systems is building missile systems where performance is determinedby the interaction between propulsion, aerodynamics, and terminal effects.You own the terminal effects.You will design, test, and iterate the warhead and energetic systems that deliver mission impact.You will move from physics ? explosive design ? testing ? iteration.If the warhead doesn'tperform, it'syour problem.If testing reveals unknowns, you design the experiment.If safety or compliance is unclear, you own the solution.This is not a modeling-only role.This is not a compliance-only role.This is the engineer responsible for turning explosives into reliable mission effects.What You Own (End-to-End)The complete warhead and energetic system.From concept to validatedperformance.You own:Warhead architectureExplosive selectionExplosive train designFragmentation and blast behaviorTesting and characterizationManufacturing methodsSafety and regulatory complianceYou are responsible forensuring the warhead works, can be built safely, and performs consistently.This includes building the capability to do that work.You will establishthe company's energetic development capability from the ground up.What You Actually DoDesign and develop warheads for missile systems, including directional fragmentation architectures.Translate mission effects into warhead design parameters.Select appropriate explosivematerials and energetic systems based on performance, safety, and manufacturability.Design and validatethe explosive train, including detonators, boosters, and initiation systems.Develop explosive testing programs including:Fragmentation characterizationBlast effects testingInstrumentation and measurementData analysis and interpretationPlan and execute explosive tests at an external test range.Analyze results and iterate designs quickly.Develop and document safe manufacturing processes for explosive components.Establish procedures for explosive handling, storage, and assembly.Train technicians to safely manufacture energetic systems once processes are validatedOwn explosive safety and regulatory compliance including ATF and military explosive handling requirements.Maintain all required documentation, safety plans, and regulatory records.Collaborate with propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to integrate the warhead into the vehicle.Ensure the energetic subsystem integrates cleanly with the overall system architecture.Where appropriate, develop simplified models or simulations to support design decisions, but rely on testing and iteration to validateperformance.Who You AreYou have designed or significantly contributed to real explosive or warhead systems.You understand how explosive performance translates into real-world effects.You are comfortable moving between theory, engineering judgment, and physical testing.You know how to design safe explosive tests and extract useful data from them.You understand the military's safety expectations and explosive handling requirements.You can operateindependently and build capability where none currently exists.You are comfortable being the sole energetics expert inside a fast-moving engineering organization.You are pragmatic, disciplined, and focused on results.You take ownership like an operator, not a specialist.Onsite, full-time, Leander, TX.Core Technical CapabilitiesWarhead design and effects engineeringExplosive material selectionExplosive train architectureFragmentation and blast characterizationExplosive testing design and executionInstrumentation and data analysisManufacturing process development for energetic systemsExplosive safety and complianceUnderstanding of military explosive safety standards and requirementsExperience working with explosive ranges or test facilitiesModeling and simulation experience (hydrocodes, fragmentation models, etc.) is a strong plus but not requiredExperience RequirementsMinimum5+ years of experience working with explosive systems, energetics, or warhead development.Backgrounds may include:Missile systemsOrdnance engineeringEnergetics developmentDefense weapons programsGovernment or defense contractor programsCandidates must be:U.S. CitizensITAR compliantAble to work with controlled defense technologiesExperience with explosive safety compliance and regulatory documentation is requiredWhat Success Looks LikeThe company develops a reliable, repeatable warhead capability.Explosive testing programs generate clear performance data.Warhead designs improve rapidly with each iteration.Manufacturing processes for energetic components are documented and safe.The company has a disciplined explosive development capability rather than ad-hoc testing.The warhead performs as intended in real systems.Why This Role ExistsBecause propulsion and aerodynamics get the vehicle to the target.The warhead determineswhether the mission succeeds.Your job is to make that success reliable.