Project Engineer, Principal

Principle Project Engineer - Defense

We are seeking a Principal Project Engineer in Santa Clarita, CA to provide technical and program leadership across complex, mission-critical defense engineering initiatives. This role operates at a strategic level, driving execution excellence, influencing cross-functional and executive stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with long-term business and customer objectives.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) management and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project, with a strong track record of leading large-scale, multi-disciplinary programs in defense or aerospace environments.

Location: Santa Clarita, CA-Onsite

Salary: $ 144,100.00 - $192,100.00 per year plus potential bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in CA. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Your Challenge

• Provide technical and program leadership for large, complex defense programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, customer requirements, and organizational priorities.

• Own and drive execution of Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and critical paths to ensure successful program delivery.

• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, delivering program insights, risk assessments, and data-driven recommendations.

• Lead cross-functional engineering teams and influence matrixed organizations without direct authority to achieve program milestones.

• Establish and implement best practices in program execution, including schedule management, cost control, and risk mitigation.

• Oversee technical reviews of designs, specifications, and system architectures, ensuring performance, scalability, and compliance with defense standards.

• Drive resolution of complex technical and programmatic issues, balancing cost, schedule, and performance trade-offs.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing engineering processes, tools, and methodologies across programs.

• Guide development of test strategies, validation frameworks, and system integration plans to ensure product readiness and reliability.

• Provide oversight for production readiness, manufacturing strategies, and lifecycle support considerations.

• Lead high-level customer engagements, including technical reviews, proposal support, and program negotiations.

• Mentor and develop engineering talent, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Master’s degree or advanced technical certification preferred.

• 12–15+ years of progressive engineering experience, with significant exposure to defense or aerospace programs.

• Demonstrated success leading large-scale, complex programs with full ownership of scope, schedule, and budget.

• Deep expertise in Microsoft Project and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) management within highly regulated environments.

• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and executive leadership.

• Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to integrate across engineering disciplines.

• Experience in risk management, cost control, and program execution frameworks (e.g., EVMS is a plus).

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.

Who We Are: