Program Chief Engineer

Program Chief Engineer

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 Program Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership and cross-functional execution for the development of next-generation solid and hybrid propulsion systems. This role serves as a key technical integrator across research, design, analysis, manufacturing, test, quality, and production teams to ensure achievement of technical, cost, schedule, and risk objectives. Reporting directly to Firehawk's Chief Engineer, this individual will function as a technical deputy across Design, Development, Test, Manufacturing, and Production, helping drive technical decisions, integration, and execution across the full product lifecycle. The role will partner closely with Program Management and functional leadership to communicate program status, resolve technical issues, maintain alignment to internal and customer commitments, and support successful product maturation from concept through production.

The ideal candidate brings broad hardware development experience in aerospace or defense and a demonstrated track record leading integrated product teams (IPTs), subsystem teams, or equivalent.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team in the design, development, integration, test, and maturation of advanced solid and hybrid rocket propulsion systems
• Own integrated planning and day-to-day execution across requirements, design, analysis, prototyping, system integration, test, manufacturing readiness, and transition to production
• Drive program execution against technical performance, cost, schedule, and risk objectives
• Serve as a primary technical focal point between Chief Engineering, Program Management, and functional teams to drive issue resolution and execution alignment
• Develop and maintain integrated execution plans, schedules, risk/opportunity registers, and performance metrics
• Support program planning disciplines including earned value management, baseline management, and change control as applicable
• Lead cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Test Operations, Safety, and Program Management
• Lead technical status reviews and provide actionable updates on performance, risks, opportunities, and mitigation plans
• Support and drive project decisions by balancing technical merit, safety, producibility, cost, schedule, and mission success
• Ensure readiness and closure of entry/exit criteria for major technical and program reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR
• Apply systems engineering rigor across requirements decomposition and traceability, interface definition/control, verification/validation planning, and configuration-managed technical baselines
• Help maintain the technical baseline and ensure design, analysis, test, and change activity remain aligned across the development lifecycle

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 8+ years of engineering experience, including significant hardware development experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, flight systems, or other complex high-consequence products
• Demonstrated success leading technical execution, integrated planning, and cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced R&D or product development environment
• Strong technical foundation in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design, structural analysis, thermal analysis, internal ballistics/SRM performance, combustion/CFD, systems integration, or test engineering
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop and present technical content, reviews, and status updates to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, mission assurance, reliability, innovation, and execution
• Ability to travel approximately 10% to Firehawk facilities, supplier locations, and test sites
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Engineering Management
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership as an IPT Lead, Project Engineer, Responsible Engineer, CAM, Technical Lead, or equivalent role on complex hardware programs
• Experience with integrated schedules, project/program management tools, and risk/opportunity management
• Experience supporting proposal development, BOEs, ROMs, and development planning
• Hands-on experience with propulsion development and test, including test planning, instrumentation, execution support, and post-test analysis
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering disciplines including requirements management, verification/validation, interface management, risk management, and configuration/change control
• Experience working on DoD or NASA development programs with formal technical reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR
• Active or previous DoD security clearance preferred

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.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace:

• 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.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free, confidential services, including counseling, legal consultations, wellness coaching, and virtual concierge services to support your work-life balance.
• 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.

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 coats. 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.