Director of Programs & Engineering- Internal Applicants Only

Director of Programs and Engineering - X-Bow Solid Rocket Motor Division

Company Overview

X-Bow Launch Systems, Inc. (pronounced "Crossbow") is a U.S. defense technology and rocket propulsion company that has developed an innovative, low-cost method to manufacture solid rocket motors. Our propulsion technology, space launch capabilities, and modular boost platforms make us unique and highly desirable aerospace supplier to the defense and national security industries.

Position Summary

X-Bow is seeking an exceptional Director of Programs and Engineering to join our Defense Systems Sector. Reporting directly to the VP of Solid Rocket Motor Programs and Production, this senior leadership position will provide strategic direction and operational oversight for both program management and engineering functions. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of bridging technical excellence with program execution, managing multiple rocket motor development and production programs from initial customer interaction through final delivery while simultaneously leading engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions on accelerated timelines.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Provide strategic direction and leadership for integrated program management and engineering operations across the Defense Systems Sector

Support the VP of Solid Rocket Motor Programs and Production in developing and executing organizational strategy

Drive alignment between engineering capabilities and program requirements to ensure successful delivery

Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across programs and engineering teams

Program Management Leadership

Direct and oversee multiple rocket motor development and production programs simultaneously

Develop comprehensive program portfolios that outline goals, timelines, resources, and budget requirements across all programs

Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while maintaining technical excellence

Serve as senior escalation point for program challenges and strategic customer engagements

Lead proposal development efforts and strategic customer interactions

Engineering Leadership

Provide technical leadership and direction for SRM Engineering and SRM Mechanical Engineering teams

Ensure engineering deliverables meet rigorous design, analysis, testing, and validation requirements for solid rocket motors

Drive technical innovation in solid rocket motor design, development, and manufacturing processes

Balance engineering resources across multiple programs to optimize technical outcomes and schedule performance

Establish and maintain engineering standards, processes, and best practices

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across Solid Large Motor Programs, Small Motor Programs, SRM Engineering, SRM Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, and Production

Manage and develop program managers and engineering leaders within the organization

Collaborate effectively with Program Scheduling, Production Scheduling, Logistics, EHS, and Quality Management functions

Build and maintain high-performing teams capable of executing on compressed timelines

Stakeholder Communication and Engagement

Serve as a senior point of contact for critical program stakeholders, including executives, government representatives, and external partners

Communicate program and engineering status, challenges, and outcomes to the VP and senior leadership

Maintain transparency and collaboration across all organizational interfaces

Represent X-Bow at customer meetings, technical reviews, and industry forums

Risk Management and Problem Solving

Identify, analyze, and mitigate strategic and technical risks across the program portfolio

Resolve complex technical and programmatic issues, applying advanced problem-solving skills

Proactively address challenges related to requirements, technical development, and manufacturing

Implement risk mitigation strategies that protect program objectives and organizational interests

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Ensure all program and engineering activities comply with organizational standards, industry regulations, and government requirements

Implement quality assurance processes to maintain the highest standards in program deliverables

Oversee rigorous design, analysis, testing, and validation of solid rocket motors

Work closely with Quality Management and EHS teams to ensure compliance and safety across all operations

Resource Management and Business Operations

Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively to meet organizational objectives

Optimize resource allocation across programs and engineering functions

Support business development activities and strategic growth initiatives

Drive operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining technical excellence

Continuous Improvement

Evaluate program and engineering performance and identify areas for improvement

Implement best practices and lessons learned into future programs and engineering processes

Champion organizational learning and knowledge management initiatives

Contribute to the advancement of X-Bow's innovative manufacturing methodologies

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field) required

Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field strongly preferred

Experience

Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in the aerospace or defense industry

Minimum of 5-7 years in leadership roles managing programs and/or engineering teams

Extensive experience in program or project management, with demonstrated success managing complex, multi-million dollar programs

Strong technical expertise in solid rocket motor design, development, and manufacturing highly desired

Proven experience in proposal development and management in the aerospace/defense sector

Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple concurrent programs

Track record of successful customer engagement and relationship management with government and commercial clients

Skills and Competencies

Exceptional leadership and people management skills with ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams

Deep understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and tools (Agile, Waterfall, Earned Value Management)

Strong technical acumen with ability to make sound engineering and programmatic decisions

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking with ability to balance long-term vision with near-term execution

Proven ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal oversight in fast-paced environments

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under compressed timelines

Experience with government contracting, ITAR compliance, and defense industry regulations

Location Requirements

This position may be based in the vicinity of existing X-Bow offices, including:

Luling, TX

Salt Lake City, UT

Huntsville, AL

Others

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

What We Offer

Senior leadership opportunity in a cutting-edge rocket propulsion technology company

Direct impact on national defense and security initiatives

Fast-paced, innovative environment with significant growth potential

Collaborative culture with opportunity to shape organizational direction

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Opportunity to work with world-class engineering and program management teams