Senior Principal Project Engineer - Simulation (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-02-05

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Senior Principal Project Engineer - Simulation (Onsite)

Join Collins Aerospace and be part of an innovative team dedicated to developing high-fidelity integrated simulation solutions for specialized training needs. Our Proprietary Platform (PP) engineering division focuses on creating and delivering advanced tactics, flight, and maintenance training solutions for a wide range of customers.

We seek a Technical Project Manager (TPM) / Project Engineer (PE) to lead a team of engineers in developing new simulation systems. As the primary engineering leader for technical development teams, the TPM/PE will manage scope, schedule, budgets, risks, and opportunities. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to inspire teams. This position is located onsite at our Sterling, VA location and may require occasional domestic and international travel. This position requires the ability to obtain a US security clearance.  Many aspects of the job are done in a classified lab environment and requires a daily onsite presence. 

What you will do:

• Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team: Manage engineers from systems, software, electrical, mechanical, cyber, and test disciplines to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Deliver project scope within budget and schedule: Ensure all project objectives are met on time and within financial constraints.
• Drive technical project execution and integration: Oversee the technical aspects of the project to ensure seamless integration of all components.
• Serve as the primary customer technical interface: Act as the main technical point of contact for customer interactions and ensure their requirements are met.
• Guide engineering development per RTX Lifecyle Management Systems: Follow established processes and systems to maintain quality and consistency in engineering development.
• Define and monitor project scope, budget, and schedule: Work with the team to set clear project parameters and continuously track progress against these metrics.
• Report program execution to engineering leadership: Provide regular updates to Program Chief Engineer, Department Leaders, and the Engineering Director on project status and performance.
• Ensure appropriate project staffing: Collaborate with engineering discipline group managers to allocate the right resources and skills to the project.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities: Proactively identify and mitigate potential issues and capitalize on opportunities to enhance project outcomes.
• Lead bid proposal efforts: Foster innovation and drive initiatives to secure new business opportunities.

Qualifications you must have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 14 years of relevant experience
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued secret security clearance is required prior to start date
• Strong technical expertise: Deep knowledge in systems, software, electrical, mechanical, cyber, or test engineering.
• Leadership skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Excellent communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with customers, stakeholders, and team members.
• Project management proficiency: Experience in developing and managing project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Risk management experience: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks and opportunities.
• Customer-focused mindset: Experience in serving as a technical interface with customers and ensuring their requirements are met.
• Willingness to travel: Availability for occasional domestic and international travel as required by the project.
• Experience with simulation systems: Specific experience in the development and management of simulation and training systems.
• Experience with government contracts: Familiarity with the requirements and processes associated with US Department of Defense projects.
• Proficiency in project management tools: Expertise