General Manager

About Firehawk Aerospace
Firehawk Aerospace is a propulsion‑focused aerospace and defense company headquartered in Addison, TX, combining advanced manufacturing with innovative engineering to produce reliable and cost‑effective solid and hybrid rocket motors. We maintain 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 continue expanding our programs and capabilities, Firehawk offers motivated professionals in Lawton, OK the opportunity to directly contribute to the precision, consistency, and performance of next‑generation rocket systems.

General Manager – Great Plains Arsenal (Lawton, OK)
Firehawk Aerospace is seeking an experienced, people‑first operational leader to serve as the General Manager for our new Great Plains Arsenal manufacturing facility in Lawton, Oklahoma. This is a rare opportunity to build and scale a cutting‑edge rocket‑motor production site from the ground up.

About the Role
The General Manager is the senior executive responsible for the full profit and loss lifecycle of site operations—including greenfield commissioning, startup, production ramp, and sustained energetic material manufacturing performance. This leader owns safety, quality, delivery, cost, compliance, and workforce development while integrating all site functions such as Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, Facilities, Security, HR, and Finance.
You will establish the operating culture, ensure rigorous adherence to OSHA/EPA/ATF/DoD explosive‑safety and ITAR requirements, lead operational readiness reviews, manage budgets and capital investments, and represent Firehawk to customers, regulators, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior most onsite representative responsible for safe operational execution, Profit & Loss, and achievement of Annual Operating Plan (AOP)
• Oversee facility production operations, customer interfaces and drive a culture of execution excellence
• Onsite operations include: AP Grinding, Propellant Manufacture, Motor Manufacture, Inspection, Assembly, and Test
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EHS, ATF, NFPA, environmental, and local regulatory requirements
• Support emergency response planning and site risk mitigation activities
• Lead commissioning, equipment turnover, and transition to inert and live energetics operations.
• Drive world‑class safety, quality, schedule, and cost performance using clear KPIs.
• Build and scale the site workforce, including organizational design, hiring, training, and leadership development.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and government requirements, including contractual site expansion milestone deliverables.
• Implement a disciplined operating rhythm with daily, weekly, and executive‑level reviews.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, business, or related field.
• 15+ years of leadership in highly regulated industrial environments specializing in the production of energetics (aerospace, defense, energetics, chemical, or similar).
• 7+ years leading multi‑functional manufacturing organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in greenfield startups, commissioning, or major operational transitions.
• Strong business acumen, communication skills, and executive decision‑making capability.
• Ability to obtain required U.S. Government security clearances (U.S. citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced technical degree.
• Experience in energetics, propulsion, explosives manufacturing, or defense operations.
• Profit and Loss (P&L) ownership experience and/or Operational execution of production facility
• Familiarity with PSM, DoD explosive‑safety standards 4145.26, ATF requirements, EPA compliance, NFPA codes, ISO/AS9100 systems, and digital/automated manufacturing environments.

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firehawk 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.