Propellants Quality Lab Manager | Aerospace, 25% Travel

Firehawk; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Opportunities to work on critical aero

Quality-focused, safety-driven culture

Job summary

Firehawk Aerospace in Lawton, OK seeks a Quality Lab Manager to lead materials analysis, propellant testing, and failure investigations, ensuring compliance with internal specs, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations. You'll partner with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to maintain precise documentation and safe handling of energetic materials.

This role requires a Bachelor in Chemistry or related field, 5+ years in energetic materials, and experience with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5+ years’ lab experience with energetic or hazardous materials.
• Familiarity with DSC, TGA, rheology and related analytical methods.
• Experience working within AS9100 or ISO17025 quality systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain ATF employee possessor clearance.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and safely handle energetic materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the quality laboratory.
• Perform and oversee testing of raw materials, propellants and energetic materials.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO17025, and energetic material handling regulations.
• Ensure documentation accuracy, traceability and test records integrity.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures and work instructions.
• Support engineering and manufacturing through test data analysis.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for material or product issues.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel.
• Initial training locations in Chico, TX and Midland, TX; travel up to 25% monthly.

Skills

DSC

TGA

Rheology

Compatibility testing

Analytical methods

ATF clearance

Laboratory safety

50 lbs lift

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

AS9100

ISO17025

Job description

Firehawk Aerospace in Lawton, OK seeks a Quality Lab Manager to lead materials analysis, propellant testing, and failure investigations, ensuring compliance with internal specs, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations. You'll partner with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to maintain precise documentation and safe handling of energetic materials.

This role requires a Bachelor in Chemistry or related field, 5+ years in energetic materials, and experience with