Director of Programs & Engineering- Internal Applicants Only

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership for integrated program management and engineering operations across the Defense Systems Sector; support the VP in developing and executing organizational strategy; drive alignment between engineering capabilities and program requirements; foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Program Management Leadership: Direct and oversee multiple rocket motor development and production programs simultaneously; develop comprehensive program portfolios outlining goals, timelines, resources, and budget; ensure programs 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 for SRM Engineering and SRM Mechanical Engineering teams; ensure engineering deliverables meet rigorous design, analysis, testing, and validation requirements; drive technical innovation in SRM design, development, and manufacturing; balance engineering resources across programs; 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; collaborate with Program Scheduling, Production Scheduling, Logistics, EHS, and Quality Management; build high-performing teams for compressed timelines.
• Stakeholder Communication and Engagement: Serve as senior point of contact for critical program stakeholders (executives, government representatives, external partners); communicate program and engineering status, challenges, and outcomes to VP and senior leadership; maintain transparency across organizational interfaces; represent X-Bow at customer meetings, technical reviews, industry forums.
• Risk Management and Problem Solving: Identify, analyze, and mitigate strategic and technical risks across program portfolio; resolve complex technical and programmatic issues; proactively address challenges related to requirements, technical development, and manufacturing; implement risk mitigation strategies protecting program objectives.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure all program and engineering activities comply with organizational standards, industry regulations, and government requirements; implement quality assurance processes; oversee rigorous design, analysis, testing, and validation of SRMs; work closely with Quality Management and EHS teams for compliance and safety.
• Resource Management and Business Operations: Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively; optimize resource allocation across programs and engineering functions; support business development 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; champion organizational learning and knowledge management; contribute to advancement of X‑Bow's innovative manufacturing methodologies.

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.
• 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