Research Scientist – Energetic Materials and Propellants

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 Director And Will Support All Areas Of The Organization (Propellant And Materials Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Subscale Energetics Manufacturing, And Energetics Testing). The Ideal Candidate Should Be An Effective Communicator Who Works Well In Teams, And Should Possess Broad Knowledge And Experience With 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 Such As

• Propellant/explosive formulation, development, scale-up, and manufacturing
• Energetic material manufacturing and synthesis
• 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)

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support development and production programs through the application of knowledge and expertise to improve performance, quality and/or manufacturing throughput.
• Lead one or more IRAD or CRAD project areas with accountability for the development of scope, project execution, and delivery of results.
• Support proposal efforts, contract reviews, and technology roadmap development, and other strategic planning efforts.
• Support or lead significant material related failure or anomaly investigations.

Basic Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Material Science, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Experienced in the development, manufacture and qualification of solid propellants.
• 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.
• Able to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship as a prerequisite.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D.
• Familiarity with Statistical Analysis, Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, and Data Science

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.

Work Environment/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 or stand and maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds; may require occasional walking, climbing, stooping, 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. Work place may include areas where a wide variety of chemical materials are used and stored. May involve potential exposure to variable noise levels. Must customarily have a high consciousness for personnel and equipment safety. May be required to utilize a variety of personal protective equipment.