Thermal Insulation Specialist - Solid Rocket Motor

About the role

HALCON, part of EDGE, is looking for an experienced Thermal Insulation Specialist to lead the design, development, testing, qualification and continuous improvement of thermal insulation systems for advanced Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) applications. The role is the technical authority for insulation and thermal protection systems, covering ablative and elastomeric materials, and leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians. It covers the full product development lifecycle, from concept and preliminary design through hot-fire testing and production.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of SRM insulation systems using EPDM, NBR, HTPB and other advanced elastomeric materials.
• Define thermal protection solutions for motor cases, nozzles, throat inserts and exit cone assemblies.
• Manage material selection, qualification and manufacturing process development.
• Lead teams running thermal and material characterization tests (Arc-Jet, Oxy-Acetylene, TGA, DSC).
• Develop qualification, acceptance and verification plans for insulation systems and components.
• Support motor case manufacturing, including lay-up, mandrel winding, cure cycle development and bond-line inspections.
• Provide technical leadership during system integration, static firing campaigns and post-fire failure investigations.
• Own insulation documentation: specifications, reports, procedures and certification packages.
• Work with propulsion, nozzle, structures and manufacturing teams, and interface with customers, certification bodies and suppliers.
• Drive R&D on next-generation thermal protection materials, advanced composites and additive manufacturing.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Materials or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in aerospace, defence, propulsion or advanced materials engineering.
• Proven experience with thermal protection and insulation systems for solid rocket motors or high-temperature propulsion.
• Experience leading technical teams and development programs.
• Preferred: Master's or PhD, 12+ years of experience, experience through PDR, CDR, Qualification and Hot-Fire Testing, NDT/NDE certification, familiarity with REACH and RoHS.
• English proficiency required.

Required skills

• Thermal insulation design and analysis, ablative material development, elastomeric insulation (EPDM, NBR, HTPB)
• Nozzle thermal protection systems and thermal analysis and simulation tools
• Bond-line integrity assessment, failure analysis and materials characterization and qualification testing
• Composite manufacturing processes

What we offer

• Tax-free salaries and highly competitive pay.
• Benefits that may include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for children.
• A learning academy and digital learning platforms, strong career support and collaboration with global talent.