Principal Engineer, Solid Rocket Motor

ABOUT THE ROLE

HALCON is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Engineer, Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) to provide technical leadership across the design, development, testing, qualification, and optimization of next-generation missile propulsion systems.
This is a critical technical authority role responsible for leading rocket motor design activities, driving innovation in propulsion performance, and guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams through the complete SRM lifecycle. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise in solid rocket motor design, internal ballistics, and propulsion simulation with the leadership capability to influence strategy, mentor engineers, and deliver mission-critical programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, development, optimization, and performance assessment of Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) propulsion systems.
• Provide technical authority for rocket motor architecture, safety analysis, and subsystem integration.
• Review and approve rocket motor designs, ensuring performance, manufacturability, reliability, and safety requirements are achieved.
• Plan and execute Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and internal ballistic analyses to validate propulsion performance.
• Lead investigations into design anomalies and resolve discrepancies between analytical predictions and test results.
• Develop and implement best practices, methodologies, and standards for SRM design, modelling, and simulation activities.
• Drive research and development initiatives focused on next-generation propulsion technologies and advanced manufacturing methods.
• Support missile system integration by ensuring propulsion performance aligns with overall system requirements.
• Review and approve technical reports, design reviews, test reports, and program recommendations.
• Mentor and develop propulsion engineers through coaching, technical guidance, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Ensure technical lessons learned, methodologies, and engineering knowledge are documented and institutionalized across the organization.
• Support critical design reviews, qualification campaigns, customer interactions, and program milestone activities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Or a related engineering discipline

Essential Experience

• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in Solid Rocket Motor design, development, analysis, or missile propulsion engineering.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience within complex defense, aerospace, missile, or space propulsion programs.
• Extensive experience performing rocket motor performance analysis, internal ballistics modelling, and propulsion system design.
• Proven experience supporting propulsion development through design, testing, qualification, and production transition phases.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Led a complete Solid Rocket Motor development and qualification program from concept through flight qualification.
• Previous experience as Chief Engineer, Lead Engineer, Technical Authority, or Principal Engineer within missile, guided weapon, or space propulsion programs.
• Experience with tactical missile systems, guided munitions, launch vehicles, or space propulsion applications.

Technical Competencies

• Solid Rocket Motor Design & Analysis
• Internal Ballistics Modelling
• CFD Simulation and Performance Analysis
• Propellant Chemistry and Energetic Materials
• Rocket Motor Safety Assessment
• Missile Propulsion Integration
• Static Test Planning and Evaluation
• Qualification and Verification Activities
• Engineering Governance and Technical Reviews
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Management

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Technical Leadership
• Advanced Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Decision Making Under Technical Uncertainty
• Mentoring and Capability Development
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership

WHY CHOOSE THE COMPANY
Launched in November 2019, the UAE's the company is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At the company, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, the company is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at the company also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to the company.

Any information you share as part of your the company candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

the company is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.