Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Firehawk Aerospace is a leading propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company located in Addison, TX. Our innovative approach empowers us to design and manufacture 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 position will be full-time located at our Addison, TX facilities with occasional travel potentially required (approximately 30%).

Firehawk Aerospace is seeking an Additive Manufacturing Engineer to support the development and production of munitions. The position will report directly to the Design Manager and will support all areas of the organization (Design, Testing, Manufacturing). The ideal candidate should be an effective communicator who works well in teams and with limited supervision. They should possess a broad knowledge and experience with 3D printing systems and processes, particularly with polymers.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop additively manufactured parts using state-of-the-art, large format 3D printers for solid/hybrid rocket systems
• Interact with additive manufacturing equipment suppliers to implement hardware and software capabilities to enhance equipment capability and efficiency
• Design solid models of prototypes, jigs, fixtures and tools to be used for rapid design iteration and/or production/assembly support
• Document processing and testing conditions for all experiments and interpret results and prepare technical reports
• Develop additive manufacturing equipment standard operating procedures and best practices
• Identify limitations or inefficiencies in the current printing processes and implement solutions
• Drive continuous improvement in design, simulation, production, and post-processing technologies for additive manufacturing
• Operate and maintain a variety of 3D printing systems, support/test equipment, and post processing equipment/tools
• 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 aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field

5 years of professional experience in polymer additive manufacturing

Experience utilizing slicing software (Cura, simplify3d, etc.) to generate machine toolpaths

Knowledge of thermoplastic additive manufacturing process parameters (print speed, material flow rate, layer height, bead width, etc.) and how changes affect the produced parts

Experience with CREO (preferred), or other CAD software

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

Ability to lift 25 pounds and work on test/flight hardware

Must be willing to travel as required (

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field
• 10 years of professional experience in additive manufacturing
• Experience operating large format pellet extrusion additive manufacturing systems
• Experience generating customized G-code/toolpaths to optimize part production
• Experience with mechanical testing of additively manufactured samples
• Experience with in-situ process monitoring techniques for polymer additive manufacturing
• Experience with missile and/or solid rocket motor design
• 5 years of experience with CREO (preferred), or other CAD software
• Experience with PLM software (Windchill preferred)
• Proficient with GD&T, tolerance analysis, design for manufacturability
• General understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, heat treating, etc.)
• General understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of mechanical systems
• 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.