Specialist - Thermal Insulation, Solid Rocket Motor

ABOUT EDGE

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

HALCON is seeking 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. This role will serve as the technical authority for insulation and thermal protection systems, driving innovation in ablative and elastomeric materials while leading a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and qualification of motor case and nozzle thermal protection systems across the full product development lifecycle, from concept and preliminary design through hot-fire testing and production.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and development of SRM insulation systems utilizing 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 activities.
• Lead teams conducting thermal and material characterization using Arc-Jet, Oxy-Acetylene, TGA, DSC, and related test methods.
• Develop qualification, acceptance, and verification plans for insulation systems and components.
• Support motor case manufacturing activities 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-related technical documentation, including specifications, reports, procedures, and certification packages.
• Collaborate with propulsion, nozzle, structures, and manufacturing teams throughout development programs.
• Interface with customers, certification bodies, and suppliers during design reviews and audits.
• Drive R&D initiatives for next-generation thermal protection materials, advanced composites, and additive manufacturing solutions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Chemical Engineering

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or advanced materials engineering.
• Proven experience with thermal protection and insulation systems for solid rocket motors or high-temperature propulsion applications.
• Experience leading technical teams and development programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience supporting SRM programs through PDR, CDR, Qualification, and Hot-Fire Testing.
• Certification in NDT/NDE methodologies.
• Familiarity with REACH and RoHS requirements.

Technical Expertise

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

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE 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 EDGE, 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, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE 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 EDGE.

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

EDGE 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.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.