Systems Engineer – Project Engineer V

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +1 more state.

📋 Description

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

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

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

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

• Chair or provide high-level support for significant design and integration reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR), ensuring readiness and adherence to technical performance metrics.

• Act as the main engineering liaison to executive management and DoD customers, facilitating technical interchange meetings and milestone reviews.

• Oversee and approve Statements of Work (SOWs), subcontractor technical deliverables, and major supplier design contributions.

• Design and implement advanced risk and opportunity management frameworks across enterprise-level programs.

• Offer mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to project engineers and functional leads.

• Assist in proposal development, cost estimation, and new business acquisition efforts.

• Direct and enforce compliance with systems engineering standards, model-based engineering practices, and configuration control measures.

• Propel organizational engineering process enhancements, knowledge management, and the adoption of best practices.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.

• Proven success in leading large-scale, multidisciplinary engineering projects throughout the entire lifecycle—from concept development through verification, qualification, and delivery.

• Established capability to create 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 acumen and judgment to inform architecture-level decisions and complex trade studies.

• Proactive, strategic thinker with a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to technical excellence and mission success.

• 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.

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale DoD or MDA programs, particularly in complex system integration and verification activities.

• Proven track record as a Control Account Manager (CAM) and technical lead under EVMS-compliant contracts.

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

• Experience in overseeing major subcontractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• A background in propulsion systems, flight vehicle integration, or complex electro-mechanical systems is preferred.

• Prior experience leading customer interactions, proposal initiatives, and engineering process improvement projects.

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

• Proficient in engineering management and project planning tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera, or similar).

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

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

• Willing and able to travel approximately 10% of the time.

• Comfortable working in secure or classified environments.

• Adaptable to a fast-paced, deadline-driven development atmosphere.

• Capable of balancing multiple priorities across concurrent workstreams.

• Dedicated to mission success, technical integrity, and collaborative execution within a national defense context.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary.

• Discretionary annual bonus plan.

• Paid time off (PTO).

• Comprehensive health benefit package.

• Retirement savings.

• Wellness program.

• Various other benefits.