Director of Programs & Engineering- Internal Applicants Only

X-Bow Systems•Luling, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field strongly preferred
Strong technical expertise in solid rocket motor design, development, and manufacturing highly desired

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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