Project Engineer, Aerospace ​/ Aviation ​/ Avionics

Position Summary

The Project Engineer will lead technical and commercial project activities from bid development through execution. The Project Engineer will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for aerospace manufacturing projects while also coordinating project timelines, resources, and deliverables across departments. The person in this role will thoroughly review RFP/RFQ requirements, including the SOW, deliverables, schedule, and develop detailed cost data for labor, materials, outside processing and non-recurring activities.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to play a key role in both the financial and operational success of aerospace programs. This role requires a blend of engineering, project management, and cost analysis.

• Lead the technical scope development for bids and proposals in collaboration with business development, program management, operations, and engineering teams.
• Work directly with the customer’s procurement and technical team to determine detailed requirements and deliverables.
• Examine the requirements of the RFP (Requests for Proposals)/RFQ (Requests for Quotes), including SOW, technical data package, deliverables, schedule, term and conditions, and non‑recurring activities. Review and document the requirements for regulatory/statutory, customer approvals, customer qualifications, third‑party approvals, and special processes not in place. Address any requirements outside our standard business model.
• Develop FAR‑compliant cost and price data that includes historical data, supplier quotes, WBS, BOE, FAR schedules, Small Business Subcontracting Plans, and rates, etc.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, outside processing, and non‑recurring (material min buys, tools, start‑up, programming, qualification activities, etc.).
• Proposal write‑ups (Executive Summary, Cost Volume, Management Volume, Technical Volume).
• Lead bid/no‑bid meetings, lead cost reviews with supporting data (pictures, target pricing, industry, or customer intel, etc.).
• Maintain and provide real‑time updates to the Bid Activity List and electronic quote folders.
• Follow‑up and manage action items from customer RFPs/RFQs, and customer meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Conduct kick‑off meetings and coordinate start‑up activities to hand‑off information from estimating to the Program Manager, IPT members and management (for specific or strategic awards) to ensure they align with project forecasts.
• Support activities for customer awards (contract review, etc.).
• Conduct financial reviews (post‑mortems) on specific parts/programs, including low margin parts.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure project milestones are met.
• Work closely with Program Manager and Operations Supervisor to monitor budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure alignment with estimates.
• Prepare and present regular project status reports to internal stakeholders and customers as directed.
• Track and manage changes in project scope, schedule, and costs.
• Maintain detailed project documentation, meeting minutes, action items, and status reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Interpret customer technical data packages, including models, .stp files, drawings, specifications, SOW, etc., including the ability to use and interpret data from 3D modeling software (CATIA, etc.).
• Professional business communications (written and verbal).
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills (internal/external), including presenting in person to customers.
• High desire to learn and solve problems.
• Understanding of business financials.
• Experience working in customer portals, Exostar, USG portals (SAM, DIBBS).
• Knowledge of the Aerospace Industry (commercial and defense, aircraft platforms, customers).
• Knowledge of FARs, DFARs, and other federal agencies.
• Time management skills that result in organized, accurate and on‑time work.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with minimal supervision.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (particularly aerospace or mechanical) preferred.
• Required:
  
  At least two years of experience in aerospace manufacturing estimating.
• Experience in engineering, manufacturing, program management, value stream, or cost accounting is a plus.

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Helicomb International is a leading Tier II Supplier specializing in the manufacturing and repair of composite and metal bonded parts, sub‑assemblies and assemblies for the global aerospace and defense industries.