Systems Engineer, Project Engineer IV

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Act as the chief project engineer or senior technical lead for extensive, multi-phase, or multi-contract defense and aerospace initiatives.

• Establish and direct system architecture, integration, and verification strategies that align with customer and mission goals.

• Supervise engineering execution across various Integrated Product Teams and key subcontractors, ensuring compliance with technical, cost, and schedule requirements.

• Lead the definition of technical baselines, configuration management, and planning for system integration.

• Chair or provide high-level support for System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR).

• Function as the main engineering liaison to executive management and Department of Defense (DoD) clients.

• Manage and authorize Statements of Work, subcontractor technical outputs, and major supplier design contributions.

• Create and implement advanced frameworks for risk and opportunity management across enterprise-wide programs.

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to project engineers and functional leaders.

• Assist in proposal development, cost estimation, and activities aimed at capturing new business opportunities.

• Ensure adherence to systems engineering standards, model-based engineering practices, and configuration control.

• Propel organizational engineering process enhancements, knowledge management, and industry best practices.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must possess or be capable of obtaining and maintaining an active DoD Secret Clearance.

• Proven track record of leading large-scale, multi-disciplinary engineering projects throughout the entire lifecycle—from concept inception to verification, qualification, and delivery.

• Demonstrated capability to develop and implement technical strategies that align with business and program objectives.

• Outstanding leadership, influencing, and mentoring skills across engineering, program management, and customer teams.

• Strong technical expertise and judgment to guide architectural decisions and complex trade studies.

• Advanced understanding of DoD acquisition frameworks, contract structures, and customer interface management.

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in project engineering, systems engineering, or program-level technical leadership.

• Proven experience managing large-scale DoD or Missile Defense Agency (MDA) programs, including intricate system integration and verification tasks.

• Demonstrated success as a Control Account Manager (CAM) and technical leader under Earned Value Management System (EVMS)-compliant contracts.

• In-depth knowledge of the DoD acquisition lifecycle (DoDI 5000 series) and MIL-STD systems engineering procedures.

• Experience in overseeing major subcontractors, suppliers, and multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Preferred background in propulsion systems, flight vehicle integration, or complex electro-mechanical systems.

• Previous experience in leading customer engagements, proposal initiatives, and engineering process improvement projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related STEM field with 10 years of experience, OR a Master’s degree in project engineering or a related STEM field with 8 years of experience, OR 14 years of project engineering experience in lieu of a degree, OR a High School Diploma or Equivalent.

• Advanced technical and organizational leadership capabilities.

• Expertise in system integration, verification planning, and risk-based engineering methodologies.

• Proficient with Microsoft Project, Primavera, or similar tools.

• Skilled in data-driven decision-making, technical trade analysis, and configuration control.

• Experienced with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio.

• Must be willing to travel approximately 10% of the time.

• Comfortable working in secure or classified environments.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities across concurrent workstreams.

🏝️ Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus plan.

• Paid time off (PTO).

• Comprehensive health benefit package.

• Retirement savings options.

• Wellness program.

• Various other benefits.