Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer

Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer

Location: Luling, TX (Remote/Hybrid/On Site)

X-Bow Systems is a leading non-traditional producer of solid rocket motors, revolutionizing the aerospace and defense industries with innovative, low-cost, and rapid advanced manufacturing solutions, including our patented "Rocket Factory in a Box" concept. Our team is composed of seasoned industry veterans and new-space entrepreneurs committed to pushing boundaries and delivering robust solutions for national security and commercial space applications.

Job Description

We are seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Design Engineer to lead the design, development, installation and commissioning of specialty manufacturing equipment for solid rocket motor (SRM) R&D and production. This role requires a blend of hands-on design, analysis, project management and assembly while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure timely execution of projects that primarily support development of the Luling Texas site. You will be critical in ensuring our processes are constructed to achieve world class production of solid rocket motors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Development:Developnew and modify existing specialty process equipment, manufacturing tooling, and lifting devices for solid rocket motors (SRM) using modern CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks). Includes the creation and release of fabrication drawings for both R&D and production efforts.
• Requirements Management: Create, track, and trace requirementsfor this equipmentthroughout the entire design lifecycle, ensuring all hardware meets internal and manufacturing operation specifications.
• Analysis and Review: Conduct engineering analyses, including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), hand calculations, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural integrity, toensure operationalperformance.
• Documentation and Review: Prepare and present design reviews to internal stakeholders and leadership, publishing results and documentation for peer review and feedback.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, production, safety, and external vendors, to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable (DFM principles).
• Implementation and Support: Oversee the procurement, fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and tooling, providing technical support and troubleshooting during prototype and production phases.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Proven experience in mechanical design, analysis, test, and hands-on assembly/integration, preferably within the aerospaceindustries.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and PDM systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermal analysis.
• Ability to prepare Statements of Work and work with supply chain to obtain quotes and work with vendors to ensure follow and execute such scope with Contractors to a completion schedule.
• Demonstrated capability in conducting FMEA and applying GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) best practices.
• Experience in creating, tracking, and verifying requirements throughout a design process.
• Communicate project progress, challenges and outcomes to stakeholders, maintaining transparency and alignment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic, fast-paced team.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by 120.62 of the ITAR, and able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Department of War contracts and/orknowledge of solid rocket motor processes.
• Experience with project management with the ability to coordinate and lead a cross-functional team, fostering collaboration and accountability across all project areas.
• Knowledge of modern manufacturing principles such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Experience in implementing controls systems or familiarity with automation and roboticsof use in manufacturing.