Systems Engineer III - Project Engineer Verified today
About the role
Project Engineer III provides engineering leadership, technical coordination, and planning support for defense-related programs. You will operate with moderate supervision, demonstrating increased independence in managing day-to-day engineering tasks and cross-functional integration. You will act as a key technical liaison between disciplines, program management, suppliers, and stakeholders to help ensure technical objectives, schedules, and deliverables are achieved in accordance with program goals.
What you will do
- Support the technical planning and execution of assigned defense and aerospace engineering projects
- Assist in the development and maintenance of integrated master schedules, milestone plans, and work packages in coordination with program and engineering teams
- Participate in and support cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
- Coordinate basic engineering inputs across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, systems, software)
- Assist with identification and tracking of program risks and opportunities
- Contribute to the development of engineering project plans and integration activities
- Help develop and maintain statements of work (SOWs) and support subcontract management
- Assist in trade studies, hardware procurement planning, and make/buy analyses
- Support preparation for and participation in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and customer meetings
- Draft and review engineering documentation including test plans, ECNs, and interface documentation
- Ensure adherence to program deliverables, CDRLs, and contract requirements under guidance
Required qualifications
- Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance
- Proven ability to support engineering projects through the full lifecycle from requirements definition to verification and delivery
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset
- Solid technical foundation and demonstrated engineering judgment
- Self-motivated with attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset
- Effective in customer interaction, communication, and basic stakeholder coordination
Experience
- 4-7 years of experience in project engineering, systems engineering, or related technical discipline
- Background in aerospace or defense industry, preferably supporting DoD or MDA programs
- Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and basic project scheduling tools (IMP/IMS)
- Exposure to Control Account Management or similar cost/schedule accountability roles
- Proficient in applying systems engineering methodologies and processes within the DoD acquisition framework (e.g. DoD product development lifecycle, DoD 5000)
- Prior experience working with cross-functional engineering teams and interacting with government or prime contractors is a plus
Education
- Required: Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical, electrical engineering, or related STEM field from an accredited college/university
- Preferred: Master's degree in systems engineering or a related discipline
Key skills
- Effective written and verbal communication for cross-discipline work and stakeholder engagement
- Ability to support technical risk identification and tracking under guidance
- Microsoft Office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, and Project
- Documentation, configuration control, and schedule management
Additional requirements
- Must be able to travel up to 10% for program and customer support
- Must be comfortable working in secure or classified environments, as required
- Able to work in a structured, fast-paced engineering environment
- Capable of supporting multiple projects and shifting priorities
- Dedicated to quality, accountability, and mission-focused teamwork in national defense applications
Compensation and benefits
California pay range: $103,100-$151,400 USD. Nevada pay range: $97,945-$143,830 USD.
Benefits include Flexible Time Off, comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, gym memberships, 401(k) with 50% company match up to 8%, and company wellness programs.