Polymer Engineer – Research and Development

Polymer Engineer – Research and Development

Firehawk Aerospace is a leading propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company located in Addison, TX. Our innovative approach empowers us to design and manufacture cutting‑edge solid and hybrid rocket motors and engines. We aim to push the boundaries of propulsion technology to serve both commercial and defense sectors.

This position will be full‑time located at our Addison, TX facilities with periodic day trips to other Firehawk facilities in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area and occasional overnight travel required (approximately 10%).

Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a senior level Polymer Engineer with a research and development focus to support the development and production of novel materials and manufacturing methods. The position will report directly to the R&D Manager and will support all areas of the organization (Design, Development, Testing, Manufacturing). The ideal candidate should be an effective communicator who works well in teams and with limited supervision, and who possesses broad knowledge and experience with polymer manufacturing methods and processes.

• Development of polymer processes and manufacturing methods
• Evaluation of appropriate equipment for production scale‑up from lab to factory
• Collaboration with the R&D team on formulation, rheological, analytical, and mechanical characterization of materials
• Working with suppliers to evaluate new materials, processes, and equipment
• Working with procurement and suppliers on equipment specification, installation and troubleshooting
• Project definition in cooperation with R&D Manager
• Participation in patent creation as applicable
• Document processing and testing conditions for all experiments and interpret results and prepare technical reports
• Identify limitations or inefficiencies in the current processes and implement solutions
• Make project decisions based on technical merit, cost, and schedule metrics
• Collaborate with other engineers and project managers to meet project goals

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymers Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in polymer research or engineering
• Polymer processing experience to include twin‑screw extrusion compounding and injection molding
• Knowledge of rheology and polymer processing with polymer composites and polymer blends
• Capability to manage project efforts and solve complex problems
• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced R&D environment
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Focus on safety, reliability, innovation, efficiency, and teamwork
• Foster trust and maintain positive, professional relationships
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note, etc.)
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance
• Must be willing to travel as required

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymers Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of professional experience in polymer research or engineering
• Experience in compression molding and other polymer processing techniques
• Experience in processing energetic materials
• Experience with mechanical testing of polymer samples
• Experience with large‑scale production of polymer products
• Active or previous security clearance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit and to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require minimal walking, standing for extended amounts of time, climbing, crouching,…