Sr Project Engineer

Work Arrangement

Onsite, up to 25% CONUS and OCONUS travel

Job Overview

The Sr Project Engineer will be expected to lead internal execution of Engineering Project deliverables for Unmanned Aerial System with a strong sense of ownership and a focus on driving outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Ability to develop and manage engineering project plans in support of Program Requirements:

Provide inputs to Business Development in support of new business opportunities

Review contractual deliverables and build plan to define NRE scope

Coordinate with Engineering team leads to determine detailed project execution plans aligned to contractual and technical objectives, to include tasking and sequencing and resource allocation projections

Inform Program Management development of Integrated Master Schedule

Support active management of project timelines and deliverables using common tools, such as JIRA, Microsoft Project and Teams

Provide program/project briefings and status updates to internal leadership and customer stakeholders

• Execute Technical Authority as delegated by the Chief Engineer, to include:

Review and Approval Engineering Change Requests through the Program Change Control Board

Review and Approval of internal design artifacts to support all aspects of product for the full life cycle development and sustainment from concept to retirement of assigned UAS platform.

• Chair IPT meetings to align cross-discipline progress and resolve blockers
• Lead the development and presentation of standard phase gate Design Reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, FDR) in accordance with company policies
• Ability to lead structured (8D) problem solving to determine Root Cause and develop/implement robust Corrective Action
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard Essential Functions

Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].

Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.

Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Deep expertise in ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards with demonstrated application in complex design, production, and manufacturing environments; capable of driving compliance, certification readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with proven ability to interpret, author, and present technical documentation, requirements, and procedures clearly and persuasively across all organizational levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and related business productivity tools, with ability to develop and present data-driven reports, metrics, and executive summaries.
• Demonstrated strength in analytical thinking and structured problem-solving, including root cause analysis, risk assessment, and corrective/preventive action implementation.
• High degree of initiative, accountability, and execution discipline, consistently driving projects to successful completion and achieving organizational goals under minimal supervision.
• Collaborative leadership mindset, committed to cross-functional teamwork, shared success, and fostering a culture of trust, respect, and performance excellence.
• Delegate authority effectively while maintaining accountability.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor of Science in any of the following fields: Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Master's Degree in Engineering preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred

Experience

• 10 years of relevant experience leading teams in the development of aircraft, unmanned systems, and/or other complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Experience in developing and tailoring System Engineering processes based on program cost, schedule, and risk tolerance
• Experience in developing requirements traceability verification matrix (RVTM) and supporting the verification analysis and testing.

Experience in the following areas preferred

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Flight testing

RC Aircraft or UAS

JIRA task management

• Demonstrated experience using System Engineering tools to document and manage project requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

Occasionally required to stand for extended periods of time

For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI Government Security Clearance required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions.

The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools.

AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.