Specialist - Thermal Insulation, Solid Rocket Motor

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives. Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped. Together, we are shaping the future.

HALCON is seeking an experienced Thermal Insulation Specialist to lead the design, development, testing, qualification, and continuous improvement of thermal insulation systems for advanced Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) applications. This role will serve as the technical authority for insulation and thermal protection systems, driving innovation in ablative and elastomeric materials while leading a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and qualification of motor case and nozzle thermal protection systems across the full product development lifecycle, from concept and preliminary design through hot-fire testing and production.

• Lead the design and development of SRM insulation systems utilizing EPDM, N , HTPB, and other advanced elastomeric materials.
• Define thermal protection solutions for motor cases, nozzles, throat inserts, and exit cone assemblies.
• Manage material selection, qualification, and manufacturing process development activities.
• Lead teams conducting thermal and material characterization using Arc-Jet, Oxy-Acetylene, TGA, DSC, and related test methods.
• Develop qualification, acceptance, and verification plans for insulation systems and components.
• Support motor case manufacturing activities including lay-up, mandrel winding, cure cycle development, and bond-line inspections.
• Provide technical leadership during system integration, static firing campaigns, and post-fire failure investigations.
• Own insulation-related technical documentation, including specifications, reports, procedures, and certification packages.
• Collaborate with propulsion, nozzle, structures, and manufacturing teams throughout development programs.
• Interface with customers, certification bodies, and suppliers during design reviews and audits.
• Drive R&D initiatives for next-generation thermal protection materials, advanced composites, and additive manufacturing solutions.

• Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Chemical Engineering

• Minimum 8 years of experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or advanced materials engineering.
• Proven experience with thermal protection and insulation systems for solid rocket motors or high-temperature propulsion applications.
• Experience leading technical teams and development programs.

• Master's Degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience supporting SRM programs through PDR, CDR, Qualification, and Hot-Fire Testing.
• Certification in NDT/NDE methodologies.
• Familiarity with REACH and RoHS requirements.

• Thermal insulation design and analysis.
• Ablative material development.
• Elastomeric insulation systems (EPDM, N , HTPB).
• Nozzle thermal protection systems.
• Thermal analysis and simulation tools.
• Bond-line integrity assessment and failure analysis.
• Materials characterization and qualification testing.
• Composite manufacturing processes.

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and…