Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Firehawk; Crawford (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid

Dental and Vision plans

9/80 Flexible work schedule

On-site snacks and refreshments

Professional growth & mentorship

Job summary

Firehawk Aerospace seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to develop, optimize, and support rocket motor manufacturing processes. You will partner with design, quality, and production teams to deliver efficient, high-quality, scalable operations and a hands-on approach to problem solving.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace manufacturing, DFMA and lean/Six Sigma expertise, and the ability to obtain a DoD clearance; travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, industrial, mechanical, aerospace or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or production support in aerospace/defense.
• Strong ownership mentality to lead new product manufacturing and flow.
• Experience documenting processes, work instructions, diagrams, and control plans.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and DFMA; able to apply them in practice.
• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance and travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for rocket motor systems with emphasis on safety and quality.
• Collaborate with design teams to ensure manufacturability; provide DFMA feedback.
• Create and maintain work instructions, process docs, and manufacturing plans.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost efficiency.
• Set up LAT facilities and support LAT activities to meet standards.
• Support tooling, fixtures, and equipment; ensure production readiness.
• Lead root cause analyses and corrective actions for production issues.
• Develop validation/qualification plans for new processes, equipment, and materials.
• Work with quality to meet industry standards and customer requirements.
• Assist automation and advanced manufacturing initiatives in processes.
• Track KPIs like cycle time, scrap, and downtime; propose performance improvements.
• Support proposal development as needed; ensure safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Ownership mentality

Process documentation

Lean/Six Sigma

DFMA

3D modeling (Creo/Windchill)

PLM systems (Deltek Costpoint)

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Travel up to 10%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PTC Creo/Windchill

Deltek Costpoint

Job description

About Firehawk Aerospace

Firehawk Aerospace is pioneering the development of additively manufactured rocket propulsion systems, combining advanced manufacturing techniques with innovative engineering to deliver safer, more reliable, and cost-effective solutions for space exploration and defense. We are seeking a talented Manufacturing Engineer to join our team and help shape the future of rocket motor manufacturing.

Job Summary

As a Manufacturing Engineer at Firehawk Aerospace, you will play a critical role in developing, optimizing, and supporting manufacturing processes for our rocket motor systems. You will work closely with design, quality, and production teams to ensure efficient, high-quality, and scalable manufacturing operations. This position requires a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving, a strong understanding of manufacturing principles, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize integration and manufacturing processes for the production of rocket motor systems, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Collaborate with design engineering teams to ensure manufacturability of integration of components and assemblies, providing Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) feedback during the development phase.
• Create and maintain detailed work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing plans to support production and hardware integration activities.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance overall production efficiency.
• Establish and equip a facility to perform Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) and support ongoing LAT activities, ensuring compliance with quality and performance standards.
• Support the design, procurement, and implementation of manufacturing tools, fixtures, and equipment to meet production requirements.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for production issues.
• Develop and execute validation and qualification plans for new processes, equipment, and materials.
• Collaborate with quality engineering to ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality systems.
• Support the implementation of automation and advanced manufacturing technologies, into manufacturing processes.
• Assist in generation of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, scrap rates, and downtime, and develop strategies to improve performance.
• Support proposal development as required.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in the manufacturing environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or production support in aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
• Strong ownership mentality and ability to lead new product manufacturing design processes flow.
• Experience with manufacturing process documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and control plans.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing principles, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
• Familiarity with 3D modeling software (PTC Creo/Windchill or equivalent).
• Proficiency with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (Deltek Costpoint or equivalent).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD issued security clearance.
• Ability to travel (up to 10%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with process design optimization and capacity modeling.
• Experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing processes.
• Experience with compression molding.
• Working knowledge of Mil-Std-4145 (explosive safety).
• Experience in the manufacturing of rockets or weapon systems and components.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for production planning and inventory management.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes and their application in production environments.
• Knowledge of non‑destructive testing (NDT) methods and quality assurance practices.
• Experience transitioning products from development to production.
• Certification in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related methodologies.

At Firehawk Aerospace, we are committed to supporting the well‑being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to provide peace of mind and help you thrive both personally and professionally.

• Health Coverage: We offer 100% employer‑paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% coverage for dependents under select plans, with additional options for PPO and HDHP plans. Coverage begins the first of the month following your hire date.
• Dental and Vision Plans: Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage options, including preventive care, orthodontics, and allowances for contacts and frames.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Enjoy a 9/80 schedule option, allowing for greater flexibility and work‑life balance.
• On‑Site Perks: Complimentary snacks and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Professional Growth: Mentorship opportunities with industry‑leading engineers and engagement in cutting‑edge projects at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.