Polymer Engineer (Research and Development)

Firehawk; Addison (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a senior Polymer Engineer to support development and production of advanced polymer materials and manufacturing methods. Reporting to the Chief Engineer, you will collaborate across design, development, testing, and manufacturing teams.

The ideal candidate has broad polymer processing experience (twin‑screw extrusion, injection molding), strong communication, and the ability to work with limited supervision in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymers Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop polymer processes and manufacturing methods.
• Evaluate equipment for scale‑up from lab to factory.
• Collaborate with R&D on formulation, rheological, analytical, and mechanical characterization.
• Work with suppliers to evaluate materials, processes, and equipment.
• Coordinate with procurement on equipment specification and installation.
• Define projects with R&D Manager and Chief Engineer.
• Contribute to patent activity as applicable.
• Document experiments and interpret results for reports.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement improvements.
• Make project decisions based on technical merit, cost, and schedule.

Skills

Polymer processing

Twin‑screw extrusion

Injection molding

Rheology knowledge

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Safety and reliability

Self-motivation

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Polymers Science

Job description

Firehawk Aerospace 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 Polymer Engineer with a research and development focus to support the development and production of novel materials and manufacturing methods. The position will report directly to the Chief Engineer and will support all areas of the organization (Design, Development, Testing, Manufacturing). The ideal candidate should be an effective communicator who works well in teams and with limited supervision. They should possess broad knowledge and experience with polymer manufacturing methods and processes.

Responsibilities

• Development of polymer processes and manufacturing methods
• Evaluation of appropriate equipment for production scale‑up from lab to factory
• Collaboration with the R&D team on formulation, rheological, analytical, and mechanical characterization of materials
• Working with suppliers to evaluate new materials, processes, and equipment
• Working with procurement and suppliers on equipment specification, installation and troubleshooting
• Project definition in cooperation with R&D Manager & Chief Engineer
• Participation in patent creation as applicable
• Document processing and testing conditions for all experiments and interpret results and prepare technical reports
• Identify limitations or inefficiencies in the current processes and implement solutions
• Make project decisions based on technical merit, cost, and schedule metrics
• Collaborate with other engineers and project managers to meet project goals

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymers Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in polymer research or engineering
• Polymer processing experience to include twin‑screw extrusion compounding and injection molding
• Knowledge of rheology and polymer processing with polymer composites and polymer blends
• Capability to manage project efforts and solve complex problems
• Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced R&D environment
• Self‑motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Focus on safety, reliability, innovation, efficiency, and teamwork
• Foster trust and maintain positive, professional relationships
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, etc.)
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance
• Must be willing to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymers Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of professional experience in polymer research or engineering
• Experience in compression molding and other polymer processing techniques
• Experience in processing energetic materials
• Experience with mechanical testing of polymer samples
• Experience with large‑scale production of polymer products
• Active or previous security clearance

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.

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.

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.