Internal Only: Director of Programs and Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

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