Composite Engineer in Addison, Texas at Firehawk Aerospace Inc

Composites Engineer – Research and Development

Firehawk is a propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company based in Addison, TX. We design, develop, and manufacture advanced solid and hybrid rocket motors and propulsion systems for emerging commercial and national security missions. Our team is focused on advancing propulsion technology from concept through test, qualification, and production.

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Addison, TX, with occasional travel to Firehawk facilities, supplier locations, and test sites as needed (approximately 10%).

Role Summary

Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a senior-level Composites Engineer with a research and development focus to lead the development, characterization, testing, and maturation of composite materials and structures for solid rocket motor applications. This role will provide technical leadership for both internal and externally contracted research and development efforts focused on composite motor cases, nozzles, thermal protection systems, insulation systems, and high-temperature structural materials. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator who can work across multidisciplinary teams and manage research programs from concept development through implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and contract research and development programs focused on composite materials and structures for solid rocket motors
• Develop composite design concepts, manufacturing approaches, and qualification strategies for motor cases, nozzles, thermal protection systems, and other propulsion structures
• Evaluate emerging composite materials, reinforcement architectures, matrix systems, and high-temperature materials for propulsion applications
• Define and execute material characterization, structural testing, environmental testing, and qualification programs
• Collaborate with Design, Analysis, Manufacturing, and Test teams to develop and mature composite hardware from concept through production
• Support the development and optimization of composite manufacturing processes including filament winding, automated fiber placement, hand layup, resin infusion, compression molding, and high-temperature composite fabrication
• Evaluate production equipment and manufacturing technologies to support scale-up from development to production
• Work with suppliers to evaluate new materials, processes, and manufacturing technologies
• Participate in proposal development, technology roadmaps, and strategic R&D planning
• Contribute to intellectual property development, invention disclosures, patents, and technical publications as applicable
• Document experimental methods, test conditions, results, conclusions, and recommendations in formal technical reports
• Make project decisions based on technical merit, cost, schedule, and program risk
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers to meet program objectives and product development milestones

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in composite materials engineering, composite structures, or related aerospace R&D
• Experience with composite structural design, analysis, manufacturing or testing
• Knowledge of composite material systems including carbon fiber, ceramic matrix composites, carbon-carbon composites, and other high-temperature structural materials
• Experience developing or evaluating composite manufacturing processes such as filament winding, automated fiber placement, resin transfer molding, compression molding, or related technologies
• Understanding of structural mechanics, composites failure modes, fracture mechanisms, and material characterization techniques
• Capability to manage technical projects and solve complex engineering problems
• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Focus on safety, reliability, innovation, efficiency, and teamwork
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance
• Must be willing to travel as required (<10%) to support project needs

Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Composite Materials Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of professional experience in aerospace composite materials or structures research and development
• Experience with solid rocket motor structures, propulsion hardware, or defense aerospace systems
• Experience with composite pressure vessels, rocket motor cases, nozzles, thermal protection systems, or ablative materials
• Experience managing externally funded research efforts, university partnerships, or contract research organizations
• Experience with environmental testing, structural qualification, and certification activities
• Familiarity with high-temperature composites, carbon-carbon materials, ceramic matrix composites, and ablative systems
• Experience transitioning technologies from laboratory development into production
• Active or previous security clearance

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.

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.