Composite Engineer in Addison, Texas at

Firehawk Aerospace Inc Save New Job Function:

Engineering Firehawk Aerospace Inc Addison, Texas, 75001, United States Posted on November 11, 2026 New job! Apply early to increase your chances of getting hired. Job Description 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 (