Firehawk
Research Scientist – Energetic Materials and Propellants
Firehawk, Chico, Texas, United States, 76431
Overview
Firehawk Aerospace is a leading propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company located in Addison, TX. Our innovative approach designs and manufactures 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. This full-time position is located at our Addison, TX and Chico, TX facilities, with approximately 50-75% time spent at the Chico, TX facility. Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a Research Scientist – Energetic Materials and Propellants to support the Research and Development department. The position reports to the Research and Development Manager and supports all areas of the Organization (Propellant and Materials Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Subscale Energetics Manufacturing, Energetics Testing, Materials Processing, and Process Analysis and Development).
Responsibilities
Propellant/explosive formulation, development, scale-up, and manufacturing
Energetic material manufacturing
Polymer materials science and processing
Composite development and manufacturing
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, safety testing, process analysis)
Perform mixing, chemical analysis, safety testing, and documentation of energetics manufacturing at the lab / pilot scale
Support development and production programs through the application of knowledge and expertise to improve performance, quality and/or manufacturing throughput
Analyze existing or planned processes for optimization, changes, and maintenance
Prepare, review, and edit technical and safety documentation such as process specifications, standard operating procedures, work instructions, management of change, pre startup safety reviews, and related documents
Support proposal efforts, contract reviews, technology roadmap development, and other strategic planning efforts
Support or lead significant material related failure or anomaly investigations
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
2-3 years of relevant experience within an R&D or laboratory setting
Familiarity with polymers, composites, adhesives, liners, failure analysis, and manufacturing operations
Familiarity with Statistical Analysis, Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, and Data Science
Experience writing and reviewing processing and safety documentation
High ethical standards of work and personal conduct
Willingness to work outside standard hours or overtime when needed to resolve issues
Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and with internal and external customers
Strong organizational and planning skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks with limited oversight
Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship
Preferred Qualifications
Masters or PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science
5 years of relevant experience in addition to an advanced degree
Experience in development, manufacture and qualification of solid propellants
Experience in testing and evaluation of energetic materials (safety testing, mechanical and ballistic testing)
Strong understanding of polymers and thermoplastics, including physical characterization and processing capabilities
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, 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
Mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment; stamina to maintain attention to detail; may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; may require walking, standing, climbing, crouching, and bending; vision to read materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate. May require travel by air or auto and the use of PPE such as safety glasses and safety shoes. Varying shifts and hours may be required to ensure successful operation.
Security Clearance
May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Dual citizenship may preclude meeting this requirement.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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Firehawk Aerospace is a leading propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company located in Addison, TX. Our innovative approach designs and manufactures 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. This full-time position is located at our Addison, TX and Chico, TX facilities, with approximately 50-75% time spent at the Chico, TX facility. Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a Research Scientist – Energetic Materials and Propellants to support the Research and Development department. The position reports to the Research and Development Manager and supports all areas of the Organization (Propellant and Materials Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Subscale Energetics Manufacturing, Energetics Testing, Materials Processing, and Process Analysis and Development).
Responsibilities
Propellant/explosive formulation, development, scale-up, and manufacturing
Energetic material manufacturing
Polymer materials science and processing
Composite development and manufacturing
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, safety testing, process analysis)
Perform mixing, chemical analysis, safety testing, and documentation of energetics manufacturing at the lab / pilot scale
Support development and production programs through the application of knowledge and expertise to improve performance, quality and/or manufacturing throughput
Analyze existing or planned processes for optimization, changes, and maintenance
Prepare, review, and edit technical and safety documentation such as process specifications, standard operating procedures, work instructions, management of change, pre startup safety reviews, and related documents
Support proposal efforts, contract reviews, technology roadmap development, and other strategic planning efforts
Support or lead significant material related failure or anomaly investigations
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
2-3 years of relevant experience within an R&D or laboratory setting
Familiarity with polymers, composites, adhesives, liners, failure analysis, and manufacturing operations
Familiarity with Statistical Analysis, Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, and Data Science
Experience writing and reviewing processing and safety documentation
High ethical standards of work and personal conduct
Willingness to work outside standard hours or overtime when needed to resolve issues
Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and with internal and external customers
Strong organizational and planning skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks with limited oversight
Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship
Preferred Qualifications
Masters or PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science
5 years of relevant experience in addition to an advanced degree
Experience in development, manufacture and qualification of solid propellants
Experience in testing and evaluation of energetic materials (safety testing, mechanical and ballistic testing)
Strong understanding of polymers and thermoplastics, including physical characterization and processing capabilities
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, 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
Mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment; stamina to maintain attention to detail; may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; may require walking, standing, climbing, crouching, and bending; vision to read materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate. May require travel by air or auto and the use of PPE such as safety glasses and safety shoes. Varying shifts and hours may be required to ensure successful operation.
Security Clearance
May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Dual citizenship may preclude meeting this requirement.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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