LAB TECHNICIAN – ENERGETIC MATERIALS R&D

Support the preparation, mixing, casting, testing, analysis, and characterisation of advanced propellants.

• Exciting Full-Time Role Supporting Cutting-Edge Defence Technology
• Competitive, Negotiable Remuneration | North Adelaide-based
• Start late August 2025 | Long-Term Role with Extension Options

YTEK is an Australian engineering and technology development organization, and a longstanding and trusted supplier of technical, engineering and scientific services to Defence S&T. Due to increasing demand YTEK now wishes to employ several suitably qualified Practitioners to support the research objectives of a multiyear Defence Program of sovereign significance - the national GWEO Enterprise.

🧪 The Role

You’ll work on-site at Edinburgh as part of a collaborative Defence Technology team. This hands-on technical role involves the processing, testing, and characterisation of energetic materials, including explosive formulations and rocket and missile propellants.

⚙️ Specific Duties

• Prepare, mix, and cast inert and energetic materials
• Conduct burn rate tests and physical and mechanical property assessment of energetic materials
• Perform thermal and chemical analyses (e.g. DSC, TGA, spectroscopy, chromatography) on inert and energetic materials
• Carry out sensitivity testing (impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, ignition temperature)
• Participate in task planning activities and contribute to the development of supporting documentation

🔧 General Duties

• Support ongoing processing and testing activities in the lab
• Maintain lab facilities, equipment, and instrumentation
• Assist in preparing safety documentation and risk assessments
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and keep the lab stocked
• Process test data and contribute to technical reports

👩‍🔬 Who We’re Looking For

We welcome skilled lab technicians, early-career scientists, and qualified professionals with hands-on experience in lab or technical environments.

You will ideally have:
• Experience with material processing, testing, or lab analysis
• Confidence working safely in labs, workshops, or processing facilities
• Ability to interpret and follow test protocols and standards
• Knowledge of WHS principles and hazardous material handling
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills
• Experience with energetic materials is a plus (not essential)

Formal qualifications in chemistry, materials science, or engineering are valued but not essential. Demonstrable practical skills and a safety-first mindset are key.

🏢 The Working Environment

A unique, professional and collaborative space, with a strong sense of national purpose, and with the buzz of Defence research and advanced technology all around.

✅ Eligibility Requirements

• Australian Citizenship is mandatory
• Must hold or be eligible for NV1 (Negative Vetting Level 1) clearance

Applications close at NOON on Monday, 04 August 2025.

Please apply with a very short covering letter and CV, quoting role Ref ID LT2603.

For further details please contact Richard on 04 1902 7128.