Launch Vehicle Chief Engineer
Bow Systems Inc· Defense & Space· Oct 19, 2026 · 9d ago
Huntsville, AL
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$210K est.
10+ years exp
Job description
About Us:
X-Bow Systems is a cutting-edge aerospace technology company focused on revolutionizing 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 Launch Vehicle Chief Engineer to join our leadership team.
Job Description:
X-Bow Systems is seeking an experienced Launch Vehicle Chief Engineer with at least 10 years of progressive engineering experience to lead our launch vehicle development and operations programs. This role requires a seasoned technical leader who will partner with program management leadership to shepherd launch vehicle programs through all phases of development, integration, test, and operation. The Chief Engineer will set the standard for engineering discipline and rigor and will be expected to demonstrate ownership and accountability for the technical success of our programs.
Key Responsibilities:
• Technical Leadership
• Serve as the principal technical authority for all aspects of launch vehicle development, integration, and flight operations.
• Establish and maintain technical vision, architecture, and design philosophy for the launch vehicle system and its subsystems.
• Lead technical decision-making processes, including design trades, risk assessments, and resolution of complex technical challenges.
• Chair technical review boards and provide final technical approval for major program milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, etc.).
• Ensure technical integrity and mission success criteria are maintained throughout all program phases.
• Launch Vehicle Development
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams (propulsion, structures, avionics, guidance & control, aerodynamics, thermal, etc.) to develop integrated launch vehicle solutions.
• Drive design-for-manufacturability, design-for-testability, and design-for-operations principles throughout the development lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with range safety requirements, flight termination system design, and mission assurance protocols.
• Oversee trajectory design, performance analysis, and mission planning activities.
• Mission Execution
• Serve as the technical lead for launch campaigns and flight operations.
• Lead mission readiness reviews and provide technical go/no-go recommendations for launch.
• Direct anomaly investigation and resolution activities; chair failure review boards as required.
• Ensure post-flight data analysis and lessons learned are captured and incorporated into future designs and operations.
• Program Support
• Collaborate with Program Management to develop technical plans, schedules, and resource requirements.
• Provide technical risk management leadership; identify, assess, and develop mitigation strategies for technical risks.
• Support proposal development activities, including technical approach, basis of estimate, and risk assessment.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent across the organization.
• Other Responsibilities
• Support business development activities through customer engagement and technical presentations.
• Opportunity to represent X-Bow at industry conferences, technical forums, and customer meetings.
• Foster a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace or defense industries.
• Deep technical understanding in launch vehicle systems, including propulsion, structures, avionics, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams on complex aerospace programs.
• Proven track record leading technical efforts on orbital, sub-orbital, or tactical vehicle programs.
• Familiarity across multiple launch vehicle disciplines including:
• Launch vehicle structures and materials
• Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems
• Electrical power systems
• Solid rocket motors and propulsion systems
• Ordnance and energetics systems
• Telemetry and flight instrumentation systems
• Systems engineering principles and practices
• Extensive experience planning and supporting integration and test operations for launch vehicles or similar complex systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical risk and make sound engineering decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership presence with ability to influence and drive technical excellence across the organization.
Desired Qualifications:
• Master's degree Aerospace Engineering or related technical field.
• 15+ years of aerospace engineering experience with at least 5 years in a Chief Engineer or similar technical leadership role.
• Experience with solid rocket motor propulsion systems.
• Direct experience with launch vehicle flight test campaigns and flight anomaly investigations.
• Familiarity with range safety requirements and Flight Termination Systems (FTS).
• Experience with commercial space launch vehicle development programs.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., NASA, DoD, FAA/AST requirements).
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Background in manufacturing and production engineering for aerospace systems.
• Experience working with government customers (NASA, DoD, etc.).
• Track record of successful program execution from concept through flight operations.
Additional Information:
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.
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.
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