Operations Supervisor - Mixing and Grinding

Firehawk 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 rocket motors and engines. We aim to push the boundaries of propulsion technology to serve both commercial and defense sectors.

Firehawk Aerospace is hiring two Operations Supervisors to support critical energetics manufacturing operations at our Lawton, OK facility. One supervisor will specialize in Propellant Mixing, and the other will focus on Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) Grinding, with each role responsible for leading day to day operations, enforcing safety and regulatory compliance, executing SOPs with precision, and supporting cross functional workflow within a high risk energetic materials environment.

• Lead daily production operations for propellant mixing and/or ammonium perchlorate (AP) grinding, ensuring safe, consistent, and compliant execution of all processes.
• Enforce strict adherence to SOPs, work instructions, sequencing, material addition timing, bowl/grinder cleaning procedures, and all regulatory safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, including batch sheets, grinding logs, safety records, quality documentation, and process traceability.
• Oversee energetic materials handling activities such as weighing ingredients, loading bowls, transferring materials, and monitoring process conditions.
• Prevent contamination by enforcing material segregation standards and proper cleaning of bowls, blades, grinders, and tools.
• Coordinate workflow closely with Engineering, Quality, and Safety to ensure consistent process flow, regulatory compliance, and timely production support.
• Monitor equipment performance and support preventative maintenance for mixers, grinders, tooling, and associated processing equipment.
• Train and supervise operators and technicians, reinforcing high standards of safety, compliance, teamwork, and operational discipline.
• Identify process deviations or safety concerns and drive timely corrective actions to maintain safe and efficient production.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on process stability, quality, efficiency, and safe materials handling.

• Associate degree or equivalent experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, energetics, or a related technical field
• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, propellant mixing, chemical grinding, energetic materials handling, laboratory operations, or similar regulated environments
• Strong understanding of OSHA, EHS, NFPA, ATF, and hazardous materials safety standards
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, maintain accurate documentation, and manage batch record compliance
• Experience supervising blue collar production teams; strong communication and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to operate safely in high risk environments and enforce proper process discipline

• Experience with ammonium perchlorate grinding, propellant mixing, or other energetic materials processes
• Background in aerospace, defense, energetics, chemical manufacturing, fireworks/pyrotechnics, or other highly regulated industries
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement programs
• Familiarity with ERP or documentation systems
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Chemistry, or a related field
• 1012+ years of progressively responsible manufacturing or energetics experience

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, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety…