Project Engineer, Systems Engineer

Description

WORK LOCATION:

San Luis Obispo, CA o

FLSA STATUS:
Exempt

SALARY RANGE:
The anticipated salary range for this role is $150,000 to $185,000 / year. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Engineer to lead the execution of UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) projects from concept through production. This role requires a strong technical background in UAS systems, project management expertise, and the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of overall experience, including 3+ years specifically in a Project Engineer (PE) role.

This position requires someone who can take ownership of projects, align team efforts with organizational goals, and ensure successful delivery on time and within budget.

• Serve as the primary technical and project lead for UAS development, managing all aspects of the project lifecycle from requirements gathering to production.
• Develop and maintain project plans, including schedules, budgets, resource allocation, and risk assessments, to ensure project objectives are met.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including systems engineering, software, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless integration and alignment with project goals.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to provide updates, address technical questions, and align deliverables with expectations.
• Conduct design and technical reviews, ensuring that engineering solutions meet performance, quality, and safety standards.
• Drive issue resolution across disciplines, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to address technical and project challenges.
• Monitor and report on project progress, including schedule, budget, and technical milestones, to leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements specific to UAS development and operations.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing project environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering) or a related field preferred

• Strong technical understanding of UAS architectures, subsystems, and operations, including propulsion, avionics, and communications systems.
• Proficiency in project management tools, such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with requirements management and system integration processes, including development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering or project management roles, with at least 3 years as a Project Engineer.
• Proven track record of successfully managing UAS projects or projects of similar complexity from concept through production.
• Hands-on experience in developing and testing UAS systems, with a deep understanding of multidisciplinary coordination.

• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to develop and execute detailed project plans.
• Strong leadership and team coordination skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of presenting technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and risk management.

• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements for UAS, including FAA and MIL-STD guidelines.
• Knowledge of systems engineering practices, including validation and verification processes.

• Experience in defense or aerospace programs, including UAS systems for military applications.
• Previous customer-facing experience in technical discussions, requirements negotiation, or project…