Ballistician at Firehawk Aerospace Inc – Addison, Texas

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.

Responsibilities
As a Ballistician (Solid Rocket Motor Performance Engineer), the selected candidate will lead and own the analysis and design of solid rocket motor grain geometries and nozzles across the portfolio of programs at Firehawk. The selected candidate is expected to have foundational expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, culminating in detailed understanding of multi-physics, reacting flows for solid rocket motor combustion analysis. Candidate will be responsible for generating rocket motor concepts from high level thrust/burn time requirements, and refining into detailed grain and nozzle designs, analyzed via SPP and ANSYS Fluent. The selected candidate will be responsible for working with design engineers to communicate operating pressures, thermal-structural engineers to communicate temperature and load profiles, R&D to communicate ballistic requirements, and manufacturing engineers to ensure grain geometry can be produced.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Chemical Engineering with a minimum of 7 years of experience in internal ballistics analysis of solid rocket motor systems
• Experience reducing strand burner data to determine burn rate properties of propellants
• Time management, organization, interpersonal skills, communication, and teamwork skills
• Ability to clearly present technical information to all organizations at all levels
Preferred Qualifications
• 10+ years of experience in Ansys (or equivalent FEA software) performing multi-physics reacting flow combustion CFD
• Master’s or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or civil engineering with a focus on composite material systems
• Experience coupling the internal flow field of the rocket motor to the viscoelastic response of the propellant
• Experience deriving and determining non-chemical enhanced burn rate phenomena (i.e. ambient temperature induced, rotational acceleration induced, radiation induced, erosive induced etc.)
• Experience performing analysis on ablative nozzles
• Experience using Matlab, Python, PTC Creo (or an equivalent CAD software)

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 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.