Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer

X-Bow Launch Systems Inc.; Luling (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Systems is seeking a Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer in Luling, TX to lead the design, development, installation and commissioning of specialty manufacturing equipment for SRM R&D and production. You will apply hands-on design, analysis and project management across multi-disciplinary teams to enable world-class motor production.

You will design and modify tooling using SolidWorks, manage requirements, perform FEA and DFx reviews, and support procurement, fabrication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proven experience in mechanical design, analysis, testing and assembly/integration.
• Proficiency with CAD software and PDM systems.
• Strong fundamentals in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics and thermal analysis.
• Experience with FMEA and GD&T best practices.
• Ability to manage requirements and coordinate with vendors/contractors.

Responsibilities

• Design and Development: develop new and modify existing specialty process equipment and tooling for SRM R&D and production using CAD software.
• Requirements Management: create, track and trace requirements throughout the design lifecycle.
• Analysis and Review: perform FMEA, hand calculations and FEA for structural integrity and performance.
• Documentation and Review: prepare design reviews and publish results for peer review.
• Collaboration: work with manufacturing, production, safety and external vendors to ensure feasibility and manufacturability.
• Implementation and Support: oversee procurement, fabrication, installation and commissioning of equipment and provide technical support during prototype and production phases.

Skills

FMEA

GD&T

Requirements mgmt

Technical communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM systems

FEA

Job description

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 motor s (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 requirements for this equipment throughout 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, to e nsure operational performance.
• 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 aerospace industries.
• 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 best practices.
• Experience in creating, tracking, and verifying requirements throughout a design process.
• Ccommunicate 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/or knowledge 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 robotics of use in manufacturing.