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, pushing the boundaries of propulsion technology for both commercial and defense sectors.

This role is full‑time, located at our Addison, TX facilities with occasional travel of up to 10%.

The Senior Design Engineer will support the design and development of munitions, reporting directly to the Design Manager. The position supports all organization areas—Design, Testing, Manufacturing—and requires strong team communication and the ability to work with limited supervision. The ideal candidate is a subject‑matter expert or recognized technical lead in missile and/or solid rocket motor design, development, and manufacturing.

• Lead and mentor other engineers in the design and development of solid/hybrid rocket systems.
• Create and modify CAD models and associated drawings.
• Support the design, development, and production of rocket engines/motors.
• Collaborate 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 against customer specifications and/or research objectives.
• Collaborate with other engineers and project managers to meet project goals.
• Ensure all propulsion systems and processes comply with governmental regulations and safety standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with missile and/or solid rocket motor design.
• 5+ years of professional experience in mechanical design.
• 5+ years of experience with CREO (preferred), SOLIDWORKS, NX, or CATIA.
• Proficiency with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and 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 the 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, and maintaining 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.
• Must be willing to travel as required.

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

ITAR Requirements: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including 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.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Employees must have mobility to work in a standard office setting, use standard office equipment, and maintain attention to detail. Tasks may include lifting up to 25 pounds and occasional walking, standing, climbing, crouching, or bending. Vision, hearing, and speech are required for communication. Travel by air or auto and the use of personal protective equipment may be required.

Security Clearance: May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information; dual citizenship may preclude eligibility.

• Health Coverage: 100% employer‑paid medical premiums for employees and…