JobsMechanical EngineerUnited StatesLaunch Vehicle Senior Mechanical Engineer
X-Bow Systems
Posted 2 days ago
Launch Vehicle Senior Mechanical Engineer
X-Bow Systems · Athens, Alabama, United States
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In short
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle systems, including solid rocket motors. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integration, perform structural analysis, and manage documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
What they're looking for
MUST-HAVE SKILLS
ALSO MENTIONED
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and possess at least 10 years of aerospace industry experience. Proficiency in structural analysis software and CAD tools is required, along with the ability to obtain a Secret clearance and US Person status.
About the employer
X-Bow Systems
Build. Scale. Launch.
X-Bow (pronounced “crossbow”) builds the solid rocket motors that power America's missiles, interceptors, and sub-orbital launch vehicles—and, through its AFRL-certified AMSP™ process and Rocket Factory in a Box (RFIB™), the manufacturing capacity to produce them at scale. As the nation rebuilds its stockpiles, we deliver affordable mass for the battlefield, combat-ready Rocket-Assisted Take-Off (RATO) motors fielded today, and propulsion for next-generation hypersonic and strategic programs.
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Notably, we offer flight-demonstrated All-Up Round (AUR) capabilities with scalable propulsion architectures, led by BUCKLER™—our flight-tested, sub-$100K interceptor designed to defeat Group 3 drones and rotary-wing threats, with a clear path to scaling up larger, next-generation AUR variants. We are more than a defense supplier: our modular BOLT™ launch vehicle already flies sub-orbital missions and is Low Earth Orbit (LEO)-ready with the addition of a third stage—opening a fast, affordable path to space. Backed by prominent aerospace and venture capital investors—including Crosslink Capital, Razor's Edge Ventures, Balerion Space Ventures, Boeing, Arkenstone Capital, The Capital Factory, Upsher Management Company, Event Horizon Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures—X-Bow is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a dedicated R&D facility in Socorro, NM, and additional presence in Texas, Mississippi, California, Alabama, Colorado, Utah, Maryland, and Washington, DC. X-Bow’s revenue and backlog have more than doubled in recent years, reflecting strong demand for its advanced propulsion solutions. For more information, visit www.XBowSystems.com.
- INDUSTRY
- Defense and Space Manufacturing
- COMPANY
- Privately Held
- FOUNDED
- 2016
- HEADQUARTERS
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- SIZE
- 201-500
- OFFICES
- 5 on LinkedIn
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Questions about this role
- Is this X-Bow Systems role remote?
- Tagged remote.
- Does it sponsor visas?
- Listed as no visa sponsorship.
- What experience does it ask for?
- Listed as 10+ years.
The posting, in full
About Us: X-Bow Systems is a cutting-edge 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 Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join our team.
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About Us: X-Bow Systems is a cutting-edge 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 Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join our team.
About the Role: As a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, you will have a key role in supporting the design, analysis, COTS component specification, integration and testing of Launch Vehicle systems. Specifically, you will join a multi-disciplinary team responsible for all aspects of design, analysis, static test, and flight testing of sub-orbital Launch Vehicles. You'll know you're successful in this role when you've identified blockers, guided processes to address anomalies and performance shortfalls, verified requirements are satisfied and you've delivered on the agreed upon master schedule. To thrive in this role, you must have demonstrated success in mechanical design, thermal/stress analysis, and test with an aptitude for hands-on manufacturing and assembly of aerospace systems.
Responsibilities
- Design/Analysis/Manufacture and Test of components/assemblies essential to Solid Rocket Motor sub-orbital Launch Vehicles
- Perform detailed structural analysis, including static, dynamic, and thermal analysis, to ensure system integrity and performance.
- Conduct trade studies and optimization to balance performance, weight, and cost.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including propulsion, avionics, and systems engineering, to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems.
- Develop and maintain detailed design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, and analysis reports.
- Support testing and validation activities, including structural testing and environmental qualification.
- Occasional travel to support launch vehicle integration, test, and flight operations
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design and analysis in the aerospace industry.
- Proficiency in structural analysis tools (e.g., FEM software such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN).
- Familiarity with GSFC-STD-7000 and SMC-S-016 standards
- Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, including composites and metals.
- Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo) for design and modeling.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
- Must be a US Persons as defined by § 120.62 of the ITAR.
What We Offer
- The chance to work on groundbreaking projects in the aerospace industry
- A collaborative and inclusive work environment with flexible and remote options
- Opportunities for career growth and development
- Competitive compensation and benefits
General Disclosure: 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!
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.
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