Senior Safety Engineer

Job description

About Us: Firehawk Aerospace is a leading propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company headquartered 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. We pride ourselves on maintaining a safety-first culture across all operations and are seeking a motivated Senior Safety Engineer to join our growing team.

Position Overview: Firehawk Aerospace is seeking an experienced Senior Safety Engineer to lead the implementation of our Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) programs at our propellant manufacturing facility in Lawton, OK. This senior position is responsible for ensuring the safe manufacturing, storage, handling, and testing of energetic materials while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and Department of Defense regulations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a safety professional with experience in explosives, propellants, ammunition, aerospace, defense, chemical processing, or other high-hazard manufacturing environments. The successful candidate will play a critical role in protecting our employees, safeguarding our facilities, and supporting the production of mission-critical energetic products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of the site’s Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, ATF, NFPA, and applicable Department of Defense explosive safety requirements.
• Implement and continuously improve safety policies, procedures, and risk management systems.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analysis (PHAs), Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs), and risk assessments.
• Participate in Management of Change (MOC) reviews, Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs), and new process commissioning.
• Review manufacturing operations to ensure compliance with explosive limits, personnel limits, compatibility requirements, and facility operating procedures.
• Lead investigations involving injuries, near misses, property damage, process deviations, and energetic incidents using root cause analysis techniques.
• Conduct routine inspections and audits of manufacturing facilities, magazines, laboratories, warehouses, and support operations.
• Track corrective actions through completion and verify their effectiveness.
• Coordinate contractor safety activities and ensure compliance with company safety policies.
• Support engineering and operations teams during facility modifications, equipment installations, and commissioning activities.
• Develop emergency response plans and coordinate drills with site personnel and local emergency responders.
• Maintain required safety documentation, regulatory records, and compliance metrics.
• Serve as the onsite safety advisor to site leadership and provide recommendations that support safe and efficient operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Chemical Engineering, or substantial equivalent experience in a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive safety experience in explosives, propellant manufacturing, ammunition production, chemical processing, aerospace, defense, or other high-hazard manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, process safety principles, and explosive safety practices.
• Experience conducting hazard analysis, incident investigations, and regulatory compliance audits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong technical writing and report development abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) explosive safety standards identified in DoD 4145.26-M.
• Experience with 27 CFR Part 555 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations.
• Experience implementing OSHA and MIL-STD 882E Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Knowledge of energetic material manufacturing, testing, storage, and transportation.
• Experience working in defense or aerospace manufacturing.

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., a 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 This position requires mobility to work in manufacturing and test environments, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds. The role may require use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety footwear, hearing protection, and flame-resistant clothing. The position may involve working varying shifts based on production and testing schedules.

Security Clearance May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship and ability to meet federal requirements for access to sensitive information.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace

• 100% employer-paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% for dependents on select plans
• Affordable dental and vision plans with broad coverage options
• Employee Assistance Program with counseling, legal services, and wellness support
• Flexible 9/80 work schedule option
• On-site snacks and refreshments
• Mentorship opportunities and involvement in cutting-edge aerospace projects

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics.