Chief Engineer - Launch Vehicle & Flight Operations

X-Bow Launch Systems Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. in Huntsville, AL seeks a Launch Vehicle Chief Engineer with 10+ years of advanced aerospace experience to lead development, integration, and operations of our launch programs.

The role demands technical leadership, architecture oversight, and decisive engineering governance across propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC disciplines. You will chair technical reviews, mentor teams, manage technical risk, and collaborate with program management to deliver safe,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical).
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace or defense.
• Deep technical understanding of launch vehicle systems and subsystems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams on complex programs.
• Proven track record leading technical efforts on orbital, sub-orbital or tactical programs.
• Experience with integration/test operations and risk management.
• Strong communication skills and leadership presence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal technical authority for launch vehicle development, integration, and flight operations.
• Establish and maintain technical vision, architecture, and design philosophy for the launch vehicle system.
• Lead technical decision-making, risk assessments, and major design reviews.
• Chair technical review boards and provide final technical approval for milestones.
• Oversee trajectory design, performance analysis, and mission planning activities.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent across the organization.
• Collaborate with program management on technical plans, schedules, and risk mitigation.

Skills

Technical leadership

Systems engineering

Risk assessment

Cross-disciplinary leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. in Huntsville, AL seeks a Launch Vehicle Chief Engineer with 10+ years of advanced aerospace experience to lead development, integration, and operations of our launch programs.

The role demands technical leadership, architecture oversight, and decisive engineering governance across propulsion, structures, avionics, and GNC disciplines. You will chair technical reviews, mentor teams, manage technical risk, and collaborate with program management to deliver safe,