Propulsion Concept Engineer for Solid Rockets

X-Bow Systems; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Systems, based in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Concept Development Engineer to lead early-phase design and analysis for solid rocket motor and vehicle systems. This high-impact role requires systems thinking, rigorous trade studies, and translating mission needs into credible concepts for proposals and program baselines.

You will work cross-functionally with design, analysis, manufacturing, business development, and program teams to mature concepts to preliminary design review level while

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in propulsion, missile systems, launch vehicles, or related aerospace applications.
• Solid rocket motor design/analysis experience including motor case, grain, nozzle, insulation, materials.
• Internal ballistics fundamentals and motor sizing, pressure-time behavior, and design trades.
• Systems engineering: translate needs into requirements and lead multidisciplinary trade studies.
• CAD experience with SolidWorks, NX, Creo or equivalent.
• Strong communication of complex engineering concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Active DoD security clearance or eligible.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop concept-level designs and analyses for solid rocket motor and vehicle systems across tactical, strategic, suborbital, and orbital applications.
• Lead and support trade studies spanning propulsion, trajectory, structures, aerodynamics, manufacturing, performance, cost, schedule, and risk.
• Translate customer and mission requirements into technical architectures, assumptions, and preliminary design approaches.
• Produce technical content for proposals, white papers, customer briefings, and internal engineering reviews.
• Identify key design drivers, technical risks, and open questions early enough to influence decisions.
• Collaborate with design, analysis, manufacturing, business development, and program teams to ensure concepts are executable.
• Contribute to internal engineering tools, workflows, and concept development methods.

Skills

Systems Engineering

CAD

Communication

Programming

Internal Ballistics

Education

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

FORTRAN

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

Job description

X-Bow Systems, based in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Concept Development Engineer to lead early-phase design and analysis for solid rocket motor and vehicle systems. This high-impact role requires systems thinking, rigorous trade studies, and translating mission needs into credible concepts for proposals and program baselines.

You will work cross-functionally with design, analysis, manufacturing, business development, and program teams to mature concepts to preliminary design review level while