Research and Development Scientist – Energetic Materials and Propellants

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 and Chico, TX facilities. Approximately 50-75% time will be spent at our Chico, TX facility. Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a Research Scientist – Energetic Materials and Propellants to support the Research and Development department. The position will report directly to the Research and Development Manager and will support all areas of the Organization (Propellant and Materials Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Subscale Energetics Manufacturing, Energetics Testing, Materials Processing, and Process Analysis and Development).

The ideal candidate should be an effective communicator who works well in teams and with limited supervision, and should possess broad knowledge and experience with polymers, composites, and/or energetics, solid propellants, and related materials and products. The ideal candidate should be considered a subject matter expert (SME) or able to grow into a recognized expert and technical lead for at least one related subdiscipline.

• Propellant/explosive formulation, development, scale-up, and manufacturing
• Energetic material manufacturing
• Polymer materials science and processing
• Composite development and manufacturing
• Energetic material hazards analysis, testing, and mitigation strategy development
• Physical testing and characterization of propellant and subsystem phenomena (e.g., aging and service life evaluation, safety testing, process analysis)
• Perform mixing, chemical analysis, safety testing, and documentation of energetics manufacturing at the lab / pilot scale
• Support development and production programs through the application of knowledge and expertise to improve performance, quality and/or manufacturing throughput
• Analyze existing or planned processes for optimization, changes, and maintenance
• Prepare, review, and edit technical and safety documentation such as process specifications, standard operating procedures, work instructions, management of change, pre startup safety reviews, and the like
• Support proposal efforts, contract reviews, and technology roadmap development, and other strategic planning efforts
• Support or lead significant material related failure or anomaly investigations

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2-3 years of relevant experience within an R&D or laboratory setting
• Familiar with a variety of materials and process engineering disciplines including polymers, composites, adhesives, liners, failure analysis, and manufacturing operations
• Familiarity with Statistical Analysis, Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, and Data Science
• Experience writing and reviewing processing and safety documentation
• High ethical standards of work and personal conduct
• Willingness to work outside of standard work hours or overtime when needed to resolve issues
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment
• Skilled at building relationships and effective communication with all levels of the organization and with internal and external customers
• Strong organizational and planning skills, meticulous attention to detail, highly motivated, and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks with limited oversight
• Able to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship as a prerequisite

• Masters or PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science
• 5 years of relevant experience in addition to an advanced degree
• Experienced in the development, manufacture and qualification of solid propellants
• Experienced in the testing and evaluation of energetic materials (safety testing, mechanical and ballistic testing)
• Strong understanding of polymers and thermoplastics, including physical characterization and processing capabilities

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…