Quality Control Lab Scientist

About Firehawk Firehawk is a propulsion‑focused defense company headquartered in Addison, TX, combining advanced manufacturing with innovative engineering to produce reliable and cost‑effective solid rocket motors. Firehawk maintains a rigorous, safety‑driven culture across all laboratory and production operations to ensure the highest standards of quality in every stage of propulsion development. As we expand our programs and capabilities, Firehawk offers motivated professionals the opportunity to directly contribute to the precision, consistency, and performance of next‑generation rocket systems.

Job Summary The Quality Control Lab Scientist, based in Midland, TX, provides technical support for laboratory testing that verifies material and product conformance with engineering, customer, military, and industry requirements. This role develops and improves test methods, evaluates laboratory capability, performs testing, analyzes data, and supports engineering and quality functions. The position interacts closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program, and Quality teams to ensure laboratory outputs are accurate, reliable, and aligned with technical requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing and technical evaluations in accordance with engineering requirements, customer specifications, and relevant MIL / industry standards.
• Develop, document, validate, and improve laboratory test methods, instructions, setups, and acceptance criteria.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to determine testing needs and ensure appropriate test methods are selected.
• Design or specify fixtures, instrumentation, and equipment required for laboratory testing.
• Evaluate laboratory equipment for suitability, capability, accuracy, and precision, and support calibration and maintenance activities.
• Analyze test data for technical validity, trends, anomalies, and conformance.; identify potential issues related to product behavior, test methods, or equipment performance.
• Investigate abnormal or unexpected test results and contribute to troubleshooting, nonconformance evaluations, and failure investigations.
• Establish appropriate test parameters and controls for technical and contractual requirements.
• Provide engineering judgment for complex or developmental laboratory testing and data interpretation.
• Prepare and review technical test reports, documentation, and supporting records.
• Support internal, customer, regulatory, and certification audits by providing laboratory evidence and technical explanations.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory capability, repeatability, efficiency, reliability, and overall testing performance.
• Participate in initial training at other Firehawk sites as needed, including Chico, TX and Midland, TX; travel up to 25% per month may be required.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience performing or supporting laboratory, materials, product, or qualification testing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and military standards.
• Experience developing or implementing technical test methods and procedures.
• Working knowledge of measurement principles, test equipment and instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Ability to identify invalid or anomalous test data and apply engineering judgment.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain ATF employee possessor clearance.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and safely handle energetic materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience handling energetic materials and/or hazardous chemical materials
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience within an AS9100 or ISO17025 quality system.
• Experience with materials characterization and physical, mechanical, or environmental testing.
• Familiarity with MIL‑DTL‑32720, ASTM, SAE, and other test standards.
• Experience with measurement uncertainty, MSA, Gauge R&R, and capability analysis.
• Experience with failure analysis, root‑cause investigation, and corrective action processes.

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.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace At Firehawk, 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.
• 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.

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.