Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Design Engineer

Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Design Engineer

Location: Luling, TX (Onsite)

X-Bow Systems is a leading non-traditional producer of solid rocket motors, revolutionizing the aerospace and defense industries with innovative, low-cost, and rapid advanced manufacturing solutions, including our patented "Rocket Factory in a Box" concept. Our team is composed of seasoned industry veterans and new-space entrepreneurs committed to pushing boundaries and delivering robust solutions for national security and commercial space applications.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Mechanical Tooling/Equipment Design Engineer to design and develop specialty manufacturing equipment and tooling for solid rocket motor (SRM) production. This role requires a blend of hands-on design, analysis, project management, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the flawless and timely execution of projects. You will be critical in ensuring our production processes are efficient, safe, and meet the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

· Design and Development: Design new and modify existing specialty equipment, manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures, molds, mandrels, and lifting devices using modern CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks).

· Requirements Management: Create, track, and trace requirements throughout the entire design lifecycle, ensuring all hardware meets or exceeds internal and customer specifications.

· Analysis and Review: Conduct thorough engineering analyses, including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), hand calculations, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural integrity, to predict performance and resolve instabilities.

· Documentation and Review: Prepare and present design reviews to internal stakeholders and leadership, publishing results and documentation for peer review and feedback.

· Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, production, safety, and external vendors, to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable (DFM principles).

· Implementation and Support: Oversee the procurement, fabrication, assembly, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and tooling, providing technical support and troubleshooting during prototype and production phases.

· Continuous Improvement: Identify process anomalies and performance shortfalls, recommending and implementing design modifications to eliminate malfunctions and improve efficiency.

Required Qualifications and Skills

· Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.

· Proven experience in mechanical design, analysis, test, and hands-on assembly/integration, preferably within the aerospace, automotive, or heavy manufacturing industries.

· Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and PDM systems.

· Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermal analysis.

· Demonstrated capability in conducting FMEA and applying GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) best practices.

· Experience in creating, tracking, and verifying requirements throughout a design process.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic, fast-paced team.

· Must be a U.S. Person as defined by § 120.62 of the ITAR, and able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with FEA tools and P&ID schematics.

· Skilled in developing and scaling essential processes and standards for growing organizations.

· Knowledge of modern manufacturing principles such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.

· Experience in implementing controls systems or familiarity with automation and robotics.