Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer Hardware

Front Door Defense; Luling, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Systems in Luling, TX seeks a Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer to lead the design, development, installation, and commissioning of specialty tooling for SRM R&D and production. This role requires hands-on design, analysis, project management, and collaboration across disciplines.

You will work with manufacturing, safety, and suppliers, applying FMEA, GD&T, and DFM to ensure robust, cost-effective tooling for world‑class solid rocket motor production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in mechanical design, analysis, testing, and hands-on assembly.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and PDM; strong fundamentals in structural, fluid, and thermal analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, installation, and commissioning of SRM tooling.
• Perform analyses (FMEA, hand calculations, FEA) and prepare design reviews.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, safety, and vendors to ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee procurement, fabrication, and commissioning of equipment; provide technical support.

Skills

CAD design

FMEA

GD&T

FEM analysis

Project coordination

Vendor collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM systems

Job description

Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Development Engineer

Lead design and deployment of SRM manufacturing tooling at the Luling site

Location: Luling, Texas

About The Role

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: Develop new 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 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 ensure 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.
• 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/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.