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 low-rate production of novel propellant formulations with high quality, consistent outputs and help streamline future transition efforts for full rate production
• Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams to translate program objectives/design specifications into functional requirements for energetic formulation development efforts.
• Develop and integrate quality control processes to characterize as-received 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 problem-solving 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)