Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer

X-Bow Systems; Luling (TX); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Systems in Luling, Texas, is seeking a knowledgeable 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 blends hands-on design, analysis, project management and cross-functional collaboration to ensure timely execution of SRM tooling initiatives at the Luling site.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and Development: Develop new 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.

Skills

Mechanical design

FMEA

GD&T

Project coordination

Communication skills

Independent / team

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM systems

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 , develop ment, 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 collaborat ing 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: Develop new 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 (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) best practices.
• Experience in creating, tracking, and verifying requirements throughout a design process.
• C ommunicate 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 .