Safety Engineer at Firehawk Aerospace Inc – Addison, Texas

Location: Addison, Texas
Position Type: Full-time, On-site
Travel: Up to 25 percent of the year

About Us:
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. We pride ourselves on maintaining a safety-first culture across all operations and are seeking a motivated Safety Engineer to join our growing team.

Position Overview:
We are looking for a detail-oriented Safety Engineer with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience to support and enhance our safety programs. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and fostering a proactive safety culture in high-risk industrial environments, including support for test operations.

Key Responsibilities:
• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining safety policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments, hazard mitigation, and Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) for energetic handling, manufacturing, and test operations.
• Lead incident investigations and prepare detailed reports with corrective and preventive actions.
• Support planning and execution of energetic test operations by ensuring safety protocols, controls, and hazard mitigations are in place.
• Perform routine safety audits and inspections across facilities and job sites.
• Collaborate with engineering, research and development, and operations to design safer processes, systems, and test procedures.
• Deliver safety training programs and ensure employee compliance with safety standards.
• Monitor safety performance metrics and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or substantial equivalent experience in a related field.
• 3 years minimum experience in a safety role, preferably in high volume manufacturing, chemicals, energetics, or test/validation environments.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Familiarity with hazard analysis techniques (HAZOP, FMEA, etc.)
• Experience supporting or overseeing hazardous test operations is strongly preferred.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
Preferred Qualifications (for higher levels):
• Relevant Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA, CPR/First Aid, HAZMAT, DoD 4145.26M).
• Prior experience working with developing and integrating explosives or energetics.
• Experience supporting or overseeing hazardous test operations is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
• Knowledge of test range safety, instrumentation safety, and data acquisition systems.

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.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace
At Firehawk Aerospace, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to provide peace of mind and help you thrive both personally and professionally.
Health Coverage: We offer 100% employer-paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% coverage for dependents under select plans, with additional options for PPO and HDHP plans. Coverage begins the first of the month following your hire date.
Dental and Vision Plans: Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage options, including preventive care, orthodontics, and allowances for contacts and frames.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free, confidential services, including counseling, legal consultations, wellness coaching, and virtual concierge services to support your work-life balance.
Flexible Work Schedule: Enjoy a 9/80 schedule option, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance.
On-Site Perks: Complimentary snacks and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day.
Professional Growth: Mentorship opportunities with industry-leading engineers and engagement in cutting-edge projects at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

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 coats.

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.