Sr. Propulsion Design Engineer

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 is full‑time, located at our Addison, TX facilities with occasional travel (approximately 10%).

Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a Sr. Staff Design Engineer to support the design and development of munitions. The position will report directly to the Design Manager and will support all areas of the organization (Design, Testing, Manufacturing). The ideal candidate should be an effective communicator who works well in teams, can operate with limited supervision, and has broad knowledge and experience with missile and/or rocket motor design, development, and related operations for transition to production efforts.

The ideal candidate should be considered a subject matter expert or a recognized technical lead for Missile and/or Solid Rocket Motor design, development, and manufacturing.

• Lead/mentor other engineers in the design and development of solid/hybrid rocket systems
• Create/modify CAD models and associated drawings
• Support the design, development, and production of rocket engines/motors
• Work with analysis, fluids, manufacturing, and testing teams to iterate designs
• Make project decisions based on technical merit, cost, and schedule metrics
• Analyze and interpret test data to improve and qualify propulsion systems meeting customer specifications and/or research objectives
• Collaborate with other engineers and project managers to meet project goals
• Ensure that all propulsion systems and processes comply with governmental regulations and safety standards

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
• Experience with missile and/or solid rocket motor design
• 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical design
• 10+ years of experience with CREO (preferred), SOLIDWORKS, NX, or CATIA
• Proficient with GD&T, tolerance analysis, design for manufacturability
• Experience with PLM software (Windchill preferred)
• Strong understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of mechanical systems
• General understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, heat treating)
• 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, teamwork
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note)
• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and work on test/flight hardware

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
• Professional experience designing/testing solid rocket motors
• 15+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and development
• 15+ years of experience with CREO and Windchill
• 2+ years of project management experience
• Active or previous security clearance

To comply with 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, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to…