Energetic Chemist

Firehawk Aerospace is a propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company based in the Dallas, TX area. Firehawk is seeking an energetic chemist, whose primary responsibilities would include taking part in our propellant R&D operations as detailed below.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in propellant chemistry/formulation development and oversee rigorous testing procedures to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Oversee the testing and evaluation of propellants both in a laboratory setting and in the field, ensuring adherence to industry standards testing procedures and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate technical expertise across a variety of potential skills to support solid rocket motor development efforts, including (but not limited to) analytical chemistry, energetic material characterization, formulation development and optimization, failure mode/root cause analysis, and process development.
• Develop production processes for lowrate production of novel propellant formulations with high quality, consistent outputs and help streamline future transition efforts for full rate production
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to translate program objectives/design specifications into functional requirements for energetic formulation development efforts.
• Develop and integrate quality control processes to characterize asreceived and produced materials and sure consistent quality of produced materials

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Chemical/Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience related to energetic materials (with a focus on solid propellants) within the defense and/or aerospace industries
• Ability to function as an independent researcher while maintaining regular interaction with broader teams
• Demonstrated expertise in areas including (but not limited to) propellant chemistry/characterization, production process development, propellant liners/insulation, and rocket motor testing.
• Strong focus on developing and maintaining safety protocols
• Excellent analytical and problemsolving skills
• Familiarity with common lab and analytical equipment for material characterization (e.g. DSC/TGA, Bomb calorimetry, particle size analysis, etc.)
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship
• Ability to pass BATFE background check to obtain explosives credentials.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical/Chemical/Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field
• Experience developing energetic material production processes from R&D scale to low/high rate production and an understanding of conventional energetic production processes
• Knowledge of relevant industry standard practices and processes related to the development and manufacturing of solid rocket motors
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing (particularly as it relates to applying standard AM processes to energetic materials)

ITAR Requirements:

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.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

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 glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. These positions may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.

Security Clearance:

May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firehawk Aerospace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.