Principal Hardware Project Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-03-30

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Hardware Project Engineer to join the Computing Products Department within the Displays, Computing & Networking Directorate. This department is responsible for the development and sustainment of state-of-the-art avionics hardware products including integrated processing cabinets, video processing modules, network products, and control panels used in commercial and military aircraft platforms. This role is onsite, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

In this role, you will guide a cross-functional team and oversee the full lifecycle of avionics hardware, from design and procurement through production, assembly, testing, and final delivery.

Your leadership will be instrumental in driving program execution, improving operational performance, and delivering high-quality solutions that meet both business objectives and customer expectations.

What You Will Do

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, and staffing plans to ensure all deliverable and quality standards are achieved

• Estimate costs, resources, and timelines to meet program and business objectives

• Perform cost forecasting, resource planning, and trend analysis to support program performance

• Monitor and analyze project progress (cost, schedule, and technical performance) to ensure alignment with established objectives

• Lead weekly project reviews to track status, resolve open issues, and drive task execution

• Conduct critical path analysis and collaborate closely with the Integrated Product Team (IPT) to manage workflow and priorities

• Identify, assess, and escalate project risks as needed; develop and implement corrective actions

• Lead root cause analysis efforts to resolve technical and programmatic challenges

• Ensure compliance with internal processes and company guidelines; recommend process improvements to enhance scheduling, monitoring, and reporting efficiency

• Effectively communicate project status, risks, and performance to engineering teams, management, and customers

• Utilize MS Project to develop and manage detailed program schedules

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

• Prior experience in project management capabilities, including stakeholder management, cost control, Earned Value Management System (EVMS), risk management, and schedule execution

Qualifications We Prefer  

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams

• Experience in the Defense or Aerospace industry

• Proficiency in MS Project scheduling and critical path management

• Experience with Avionics regulatory and certification requirements: TSO, DO-160, DO-254, DO-178B/C

• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions

What We Offer:

Benefits:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  

• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option  

• Tuition reimbursement program 

• Student Loan Repayment Program  

• Life insurance and disability coverage  

• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 

• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 

• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  

• Adoption Assistance           

• Autism Benefit  

• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  

• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 

• Doctor on Demand, virtual doct