Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer - IR&D - Aerospace

Position Summary
Researches and carries out complex or innovative engineering assignments requiring the development of new or improved methods, techniques, and procedures. Contributes to and has responsibility for the completion of significant or critical assignments with broad product, technology, customer, and strategic business impact.

SCOPE/SUPERVISION AND INTERACTION:
Develops new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, concepts, and/or scientific methods by applying advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for the assigned area. Evaluates costs, available resources, time limitations, company planning, and other technical and economic factors.

Provides expert technical information concerning manufacturing or processing techniques, materials, properties, and process advantages and limitations that affect long-range plant and product engineering planning by carefully analyzing and applying advanced engineering principles.

Communicates and coordinates with other technical resources to provide technical recommendations, lessons learned, problem-solving methods, analysis methodologies, etc., to maximize contributions across multiple projects or programs. Makes technical proposals and presentations to various internal and external customer groups to influence business decisions.

Conducts analyses and/or tests pertaining to the development of new designs, methods, materials, equipment, or processes and completes required documentation by determining required actions, performing or directing completion of tasks, and publishing findings and/or results.

Compiles and analyzes operation, test, and research data to establish performance standards for newly designed or modified equipment or products. Assesses the feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering evaluation tests, products, or equipment when necessary data are insufficient or confirmation by testing is advisable.

Investigates, researches, and operationalizes new technologies in specialty or related areas to improve cost and performance by applying advanced engineering design methods, theories, and research techniques.

Applies and leads continuous improvement initiatives through the development of new engineering technology, product development, analytic tools, and key production principles and techniques.

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending advanced-level educational workshops, reviewing technical and research publications, and/or participating in professional associations.

Complies with company policies and aerospace industry regulations. Consistently applies established engineering practices, standards, and documentation methods.

Plans and conducts complex special assignments, generally involving the larger and more important projects or multiple projects. Reviews progress and evaluates results. Recommends major changes in procedures. Establishes goals and objectives to carry out programs or functions by coordinating efforts within and across the divisions.

Acts as a consultant to top management on significant issues. May provide technical leadership to others in integrated product development teams. Represents the company on specific major projects. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Work assignments may include cross-functional or project team responsibilities (e.g., continuous improvement).

Serves as technical subject expert and resource. Shares specialized knowledge with others and ensures knowledge transfer on technologies and products.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree (BS) in mechanical, aerospace, electronic, or systems engineering or a related technical discipline. MS preferred.

Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through ten or more years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electronic, and/or optics engineering principles, theories, concepts, techniques, industry practices, regulations, and policies.

Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to lead and implement, continuous improvement principles and techniques.

Ability to use standard business applications software and specialized data analysis, design, and project management tools.

Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge of other related engineering areas or from other technical experts to one's own area of expertise.

Ability to plan and conduct complex assignments where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables and/or incomplete data; understand problems from a broad, long-term perspective.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex policies and recommend major changes to procedures.

Ability to respond to significant inquiries or complaints from division leadership, external customers, other divisions, and top management on complex and critical matters.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid…