Director of Programs & Engineering, Rocket Propulsion

xbowsystems; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior leadership role

Impact on national defense and defense

Competitive compensation

Growth potential

Job summary

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is seeking a Director of Programs and Engineering to provide strategic leadership for all program management and engineering activities in the Defense Systems Sector.

The role requires bridging technical excellence with program execution across rocket motor development and production. The successful candidate will oversee multiple programs, drive innovation, manage cross-functional teams, and engage with executives and customers to deliver on accelerated timelines

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field) required.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field strongly preferred.
• 10-12 years of progressive aerospace/defense experience; 5-7 years in leadership roles.
• Strong experience in program management and leading cross-functional teams.
• Proven capability in solid rocket motor design, development, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for integrated program management and engineering across the Defense Systems Sector.
• Direct multiple rocket motor development and production programs; manage portfolios, timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Lead engineering teams ensuring design, analysis, testing, and validation meet high standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across scheduling, logistics, EHS, and quality management.
• Represent the company in customer meetings, reviews, and industry forums; drive risk management and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree strongly preferred

Tools

Agile

Waterfall

Earned Value Management

Job description

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is seeking a Director of Programs and Engineering to provide strategic leadership for all program management and engineering activities in the Defense Systems Sector.

The role requires bridging technical excellence with program execution across rocket motor development and production. The successful candidate will oversee multiple programs, drive innovation, manage cross-functional teams, and engage with executives and customers to deliver on accelerated timelines