Kinetics Specialist - Defense Production

About the role

Destinus develops Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the defense industry and is looking for a Kinetics Specialist for Production in Katwijk aan Zee. Reporting directly to the Head of Kinetics, you turn complex kinetic designs into reliable, high-performance products, keeping propulsion and energetic systems safe and efficient from design intent to industrial-scale production.

Key responsibilities

• Technical support for production of kinetic defense items such as projectiles, warheads, rocket motors and explosive components, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes
• Root cause and failure analysis of defects, non-conformances and test results, and technical ownership of munitions, energetics, rocket motors, fuses and guided systems
• Support system integration, prototype and production unit validation testing, and oversight of handling, storage, transport and disposal of energetic materials
• Develop SOPs, hazard analyses and risk assessments in line with explosive safety standards, and design production and handling sites for energetic materials
• Manage ammunition tracking, serialization and lifecycle documentation
• Lead safety audits, inspections, regulatory compliance and incident investigations, and support product qualification, certification and manufacturing change approvals
• Maintain production records, test documentation and configuration control
• Schedule and coordinate the Kinetics team, prepare technical reports, and support procurement, supply chain, logistics, budgeting and program reviews
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 5+ years of experience in munitions, defense manufacturing or energetic materials
• Proven hands-on expertise in kinetic weapons systems and explosive production in regulated defense environments
• In-depth knowledge of explosive safety standards (NATO AASTP-1, MIL-SPEC and others), and understanding of ITAR, EAR and defense trade compliance
• Demonstrated technical leadership, structured problem solving and a safety-first mindset
• Security screening and a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) are part of the selection process

Required skills

• Propellants, explosives, energetic manufacturing processes and materials science
• Quality systems, statistical process control, CAD tools and technical documentation
• Strong attention to detail, clear communication and cross-functional collaboration