R&D Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer (Advanced Development)

xbowsystems; Mississippi; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is seeking a R&D Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer to support rapid development prototype hardware across propulsion and structural domains. The role emphasizes design, analysis, testing, and collaboration within an IRAD-focused team in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates should have 6+ years in design engineering (solid rocket motor/missile focus preferred), strong CAD (SolidWorks), and experience with structural/thermal analysis and FEA. Up to 15% travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in a design engineering role (solid rocket motor/missile focus preferred)
• 6+ years' experience with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Proficient in structural and thermal analysis using hand calculations with clear documentation
• Experience with or exposure to structural FEA: model setup, post processing, correlation to hand calculations/test results
• Experience developing and executing engineering test plans, documenting test procedures and results, analyzing data

Responsibilities

• Support design, analysis, manufacture, integration and testing of rapid development prototype hardware
• Contribute requirement derivation, trade studies, prototype design and analysis, build and test
• Document results and present technical topics to internal/external stakeholders
• Travel to support program execution (up to 15%)

Skills

Design engineering

Experience with CAD

Structural & thermal analysis

Prototype/testing

IRAD project support

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

SolidWorks

Hand calculations

Job description

Job title: R&D Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer (Advanced Development)

Location: Hancock County, MS; Socorro, NM; Potentially Remote

About Us: X-Bow Systems is an aerospace technology company focused on revolutionizing solid propellant propulsion systems for space exploration and defense applications. Our team of innovative engineers and scientists is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rocket propulsion. As we continue to expand our operations, we are seeking a talented and driven engineers to join our team.

Overview: As a Research and Development Engineer within the Advanced Development Organization, you will have a key role in supporting the design, analysis, manufacture, integration and testing of rapid development prototype hardware. The Advanced development organization is the custodian for all X-Bow IRAD funds; supporting established programs, future looking innovations in the space and defense arenas, and overall supporting X-Bow as the Customer. The breadth of projects managed within the Advanced Development organization is broad, ranging from propellant development, inert aerospace materials development, electronics, analytical tools, prototype/demonstration SRM/AUR development and test, supply chain and processing innovations, lab and prototype testing, etc. As such, this individual will support numerous development projects in parallel. You will join a multi-disciplinary team responsible for all aspects of IRAD execution contributing requirement derivation, trade studies, prototype design and analysis, build and test, and dissemination of results to the customer. To be successful in this role, you must have demonstrated success in mechanical/energetics/assembly level design, analysis, hands on prototype fabrication, test, and results documentation. This position requires self-motivated, highly skilled individuals with a robust solid rocket motor and rapid development process background and the ability to use said skills to execute programs with minimal oversight and guidance on timelines shorter than usual in the industry.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 6+ years' experience in a design engineering role (solid rocket motor and/or missile system focus preferred)
• 6+ years' experience and proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Proficient in structural and thermal analysis using hand calculations, with the ability to clearly document assumptions, methods, and results.
• Experience with or exposure to structural finite element analysis (FEA), including model setup, post processing, and correlation to hand calculations or test results.
• Experience developing and executing engineering test plans, documenting test procedures and results, analyzing data, and preparing clear, concise test reports.

• Experience in rapid development of prototype/demonstrations solutions to problems with relatively open-ended requirements.

• Experience working around energetics (e.g. SRM propellants)
• Experience and interest in hands on work manufacturing, assembling, and testing prototype hardware
• Demonstrated ability to support multiple projects in parallel
• Experience in design/analysis/manufacture and test of custom tooling and fixtures
• Demonstrated understanding of risk quantification and decision making
• Ability to communicate/present detailed technical topics/results to a broad range of individuals both internal and external
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams of ~5 individuals (e.g. Program Managers, Chief Engineers, Supply Chain, etc.)
• Ensure program activities are conducted in a safe manner, adhering to company policies and industry standards
• Implement best practices and lessons learned into future program phases and company-wide initiatives
• Willingness to travel to support program execution (estimated 15% travel max)
• Bachelors degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• Must be a US Persons as defined by § 120.62 of the ITAR

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Thank you for your interest in joining X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc., the space revolution on a solid foundation.