Energetics Lead

North Vector Dynamics is developing next-generation defence systems, and energetics is at the core of what makes them lethal and effective. We’re looking for an Energetics Lead to own this capability end-to-end: from supply chain and materials sourcing through to warhead design, fuze development, and manufacturing. This is a mid-senior technical leadership role for a subject matter expert who has spent their career working with energetic systems, either in industry or in a hands-on energetics role within allied armed forces. You won’t be inheriting a fully built programme. You’ll be the person who builds it. That means setting the technical direction, establishing the processes and safety frameworks, and growing a team around you as the company scales. The scope is significant and the growth path is real. If you’re a seasoned energetics professional who wants to lead, not just contribute, and you’re ready to do it at a company where your work has direct and tangible consequences in the field, this role was written for you.

• Lead all energetics efforts at North Vector Dynamics: owning the technical direction, development roadmap, and delivery outcomes across warhead design, fuze design, and energetic subsystem integration.

• Define and drive the strategy for vertical integration of warhead development and manufacturing: identifying what capabilities to build in-house, what to source, and the roadmap to bring critical functions under our own roof over time.

• Design and develop warhead systems optimized for our platform requirements, applying rigorous engineering discipline across lethality analysis, fragmentation, blast characterization, and effects modelling.

• Lead fuze design and development, including both electronic and mechanical fuzing concepts, safety and arming device integration, and qualification testing.

• Build and manage the energetics supply chain: identifying and qualifying suppliers of energetic materials, components, and subsystems; managing relationships; and ensuring continuity and compliance across the supply base.

• Establish and oversee manufacturing processes for energetic components, including load, assembly, and pack (LAP) operations, with a relentless focus on safety, repeatability, and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and implement the safety frameworks, procedures, and training programmes required to handle, store, and process energetic materials in accordance with all applicable regulations and standards.

• Navigate the regulatory environment governing energetics in Canada: including explosives licencing under the Explosives Act, transport regulations, and relevant export control requirements for energetic materials and munitions.

• Collaborate closely with our systems engineering, mechanical, and software teams to ensure energetic subsystems are fully integrated and optimized within the broader platform.

• Contribute to proposal development, customer briefings, and capability demonstrations where energetics expertise is central to the story.

• Grow the team: as North Vector Dynamics scales, you’ll play a key role in identifying, recruiting, and mentoring the next generation of energetics talent within the company.

• Step into whatever the mission demands: this is a startup, and no two weeks will look the same.

Required

• Demonstrable subject matter expertise in warhead design and development: gained through hands-on technical experience in the defence industry or through a specialist energetics role in allied armed forces.

• Deep working knowledge of energetic materials, explosive effects, warhead engineering principles, and the physics underpinning lethality and terminal performance.

• Experience with fuze design and development, including safety and arming concepts, initiation systems, and integration with warhead assemblies.

• Familiarity with energetics supply chain management: qualifying suppliers, managing energetic material procurement, and maintaining a compliant and resilient supply base.

• A solid understanding of the regulatory and safety frameworks governing the handling, storage, transport, and manufacture of explosives and energetic materials.

• Strong technical communication skills: you can produce rigorous engineering documentation and brief complex energetics concepts to mixed technical and non-technical audiences.

• Eligibility for a Government of Canada security clearance; active clearance is a significant asset.

• A builder’s mindset: you’re comfortable creating processes, frameworks, and team structures where none yet exist.

Preferred

• Military background is a strong asset, we deeply value the technical depth, operational context, and mission focus that veterans bring. Candidates with prior service in a Canadian Armed Forces or allied military energetics, ammunition, or EOD role are highly encouraged to apply.

• Experience with LAP operations and the manufacturing processes associated with producing energetic components at scale in a compliant facility.

• Familiarity with lethality modelling and simulation tools, warhead characterization methodologies (arena tests, fragmentation analysis), and relevant NATO STANAG standards.

• Prior experience working in a startup, scale-up, or early-stage programme environment where technical leadership and individual initiative were equally essential.

• Knowledge of export control frameworks as they apply to energetic materials and munitions, including ITAR/EAR and Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) requirements.

• Post-secondary education in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemistry, or a closely related technical field; graduate-level study in energetics or propulsion is a meaningful asset.

• Real ownership from day one, the systems and processes you build will be foundational to how this company operates for years to come.

• We’re working on technology that matters at a national and global level, and every person on the team feels that weight and that purpose.

• A tight-knit, high-calibre team that moves fast, holds each other to a high standard, and doesn’t waste time on bureaucracy for its own sake.

• Competitive compensation and meaningful upside from joining an early-stage company at the forefront of the defence technology sector.

• On-site in Calgary, AB, a growing hub for tech and defence, with a culture built around resilience and getting things done.